LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

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IMTED STATES OF AMERICA. 



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SEYMOUR?^0 



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HISTORICAI> COLLECTIONS, K 







KECORl) IMtlNT. 

SEYMOLTIJ, CONN. 

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Entered, according to act of Congress, in the year 1878. by William C. Sharpe, 
In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



V \^ ^ 



P R E r A C E . 



Ill the siuiuiicr of 187(5 scvcnil liistori<*al .skctclu's were ])uV)lifshe(l in the 
Seymour IIecord, and with a view to put tlu'so skctclies in more convcni- 
ient form for preservation tlie type was made up in book form, commencinir 
witli paii'e eiii'lit, and tlien proeeedinji; to searcli the old records for additional 
matters of local interest, the work has urown to the present form. Owing to 
to the limited time which could he s])ared from other duties for this ]»urj)ose, 
and having been j)rinted in sections from tinu' to time, as there was ojipor- 
tunity, it is not so systematically arranged as conjil lie desired ; yet it is hoped 
and beli(!ved that the volume contains a large amount of infornuition whicli 
will be of interest to all who have resided for any considerable length of time 
in this innnediate \ieinity. 

In glancing over these pages some may inconsiderately call this or that 
statement or date incorrect, but most of them have been verified bv old 
niiinuscripts and records, often a considerable time having been spent in 
sifting down and corre<-ting accounts which have been given from memory or 
tradition. The writer will be grateful to any persons discerning errors in this 
volume if they will forward to him the particulars. No doubt there are many 
old ami forgotten numuscnpts laid away in garrets or closets, which would 
be highly valued by anti(iuarians and till many an interesting page for the 
general reader. The composition of siich a work as this may be an easy matter, 
but the collection of the material re{|uires long and ])atient research in hundreds 
of volunu'S and faded, worn and s(Mnetimes almost illegible manuscrii)ts. The 
writer acknowledges indehtinlness to Kev. S. C Leonard, IJev. Sylvester Smith 
and I>, \V. Smith, Ks(j., for sketches of the several churches, and to (!. C. 
Baldwin of (Mevelaml, Ohio, and others for much Aaluable information. 
The following works have been used for refen-nce or ([notation : Savage's 
Dictionary of the Early Setth'rs, Dwight's Travels, Lamltert's History of 
New Haven Colony, Trumbull's History of Connecticut, Barber's Connecticut 
Historical Collections, Colonial Itecords of Connecticut, Peters' History of 
Connecticut, and (N)thren's History of Woodbury. 

Prices of produce, etc., have occasionally i)een given as a basis of com- 
parison of values in earlier times and the present, and nniny comparatively 
unimportant incidents recorded which nniy some tinu; be hel])s in tixing dates 
or deciding matters of greater interest. 

References to the town or its records i)revious to the division in IS.jd will 
be understood as referring to the town of Derby. 

Hoping that the perusal of the work may be a source; of pleasure to all 
its readers, and that our elderly friends who have been familiar with many 
of the occurrences described maybe gratitied with the memories (»f "Auld 
Lang Syne," the "unwritten history," which will Ix; called to mind, this ^■olume 
in respectfully submitted. 

W. C. SliARPE. 

Seymour, Nov. i;{th, LS7.S. 






jHE early settlers were too much occupied in the arduous labors required 
in establishing homes in the wilderness to pay any unnecessary attention 
to the recording of their transactions, and the merest mention here and 
there, with occasional documents which have been handed down, afford 
but scant material for a narration of their lives, labors and liberties. 
This portion of the valley of the Nangatuck was first distinguished by the 
Falls, as the most remarkable feature of the kind in the length of the river. 
The long ridge of rock, through an opening of which the water rushed, foaming 
and tossing, into the depths below, were well known to the whites, as well as 
the red men, at a very early date. The especially fine fishing below the rocks, 
and the abundant game on the forest-clothed hills and in the natural meadows 
of the vales, were grand attractions to the hunter, trapper and fisherman, 
whether of aboriginal or Anglo-Saxon blood. Ur. Trumbull, is his history of 
Connecticut, says that as early as 1633 there was a tribe of Pequot Indians 
at the "Falls of the Naugatuc." 

It appears from the early colonial records that the lands were generally 
purchased of the Indians by the early settlers at a fair valuation ; indeed, Dr. 
Trumbull, (p. 174-5) says that "many of the adventurers expended more in 
making settlements than all the lands and buildings were worth after all the 
improvements they had made upon them." In the account of the settlement 
of the controversy between Connecticut and Massachusetts in regard to the 
boundary line, the 107,973 acres awarded to Connecticut were "sold in sixteen 
shares, in 1710, for * * * a little more than a farthing an acre, and shows of 
what small value land was esteemed at that day. It affords also a striking 
demonstration, that, considering the expenseofpurchasingthemof the natives, 
and of defending, they cost our ancestors five, if not ten, times their value." 

In 1004, Okenance or Akenanco was sachem of "Pagassett,"* and 
Ansantwan (sometimes wi-itten Ausantawae,) were chiefs, as appears in a deed 
given by them to Lieut. Thomas Wheeler, April 4th, 1604. Towtaemoe was 
then a sachem of another portion of the valley, according to a deed given 
Jan. 6th, 1064, by Lieut. Thomas Wheeler of Pagassett to Alexander Bryan 
of Milford. The land conveyed was "bounded with Potatuck river southwest, 
I^faugatuck river northeast, & bounded on the northwest with trees marked by 
Towtaemoe, sachem, containing forty acres, more or less." 

* This name is spelled in various ways, as Paugassett, Paguasuck, &c. Also the Naugatuck 
varies in orthography from Nau-ko-tuiik to Naguatoek. In copying old manuscript records the 
original spelling of the names is followed, although there are sometimes difierent spellings in the 
same document. 



« SEYMOUli AND VICINITY. 

Of tlic grants to settlers by the proprietors, in lawful meeting, the follow- 
ing from the Derby records is a specimen. 

"The inhabitants of Paugassett met together on April the 5th, 1(371, and 
have granted to Ebenezer Johnson a tract of laud bounded on the north side 
with the common land, and on the west side with the great river, and on the 
south side with the Devil's Jump, so called, and on the east with the common 
land, and the said Ebenezer Johnson is engaged to build and fence and inhabit 
on this laud within the space of time of two years after the date hereof: and if 
the said Ebenezer fulfill not the terms hereof the land is to return to the in- 
habitants again: and the said Ebenezer is to make a sufficient highway 
between his fence and the hill, and so maintain it." 

On the first of April, 1092, "Huntawah and Conchui>atany, Indians of 
Paguasuck," sold to David Wooster "a (;ertaiu parcell of land on the north- 
west side of Naguatock river, in tlie road that goetli to liinnnon, the long 
plain soe called in the bounds of Derby, be it bounded with Xagatuck river 
south and east, and north and west with the great rocks." 

'Conquepotana and Ahuntaway, chieftains at Paugusset, on the 17th of 
June, 1GS5, in behalf of themselves and other Indians, sold to Robert Treat, 
Esq., Samuel Eells, Benjamin Eenn, Thomas Clark, and Sylvanus Baldwin, 
agents of Milford, a tract of land "lying above the path which goeth from 
New Haven to Derby, and bounded with said path south, and a brook called 
Bladen's brook, (on the south side of Scucurra,* or Snake Hill,) north, with 
the line that is the bounds between New Haven and Milford, east, and the 
line that is the bounds between Derby and INIilford, west, which said land was 
a mile and six score rods in breadth throughout the length of it." The Indians 
"reserved the liberty of hunting on this ground." ' 

'A purchase was made on the 29th of February, 1700, by Robert Treat, 
Esq., jNIr. Thonuis Clark, Sen., Samuel Buckingham, Sen., Lieut. Sylvanus 
Baldwin, and Ensign Oeorge Clark, agents for Milford, of a tract of land 
"lying northward of Bladen's brook, unto a brook called Lebanon brook, 
bounded north by said Lebanon brook, east by New Haven land, south by 
Bladen's brook, and west by the line between Derby and Milford ; said land 
being a mile and six score rods in breadth," The consideration given for this 
land was £15 in pay,f and 15,v. in silver. The deed was signed by nine In- 
dians, viz : Conquepotana, Ahantaway, liasquenoot, Waurarrunton, ^Von- 
ountacun, Pequit, Suckatash, Dunpiin, and Windham. This tract of land 
was divided and laid out, in 1759, into one hundred and ninety -five shares or 
rights and is commonly called the "two bit purchase," from the circumstance 
of each buyer of a right i)aying for the same two Spanish bits, of t;ight 
twelve and a half cent pieces. This purchase now forms the northwest part 
of Woodbridge.' (Milford Record, Vol. 1 1 . ) 

'Another and the last purchase of land within the old patent bounds of 
Milford, was nuide by the same committee, on the 23d of February, 1702, of the 
same Indians, for £5 in money, or otherwise, £1 10s. in pay,f bound south by 
Leban(Ui brook, east by Milford and New Haven line, nortli by Beacon Hill 
river or Waterbury line, and west by the line between Derby and ]Milford ; 
being a mile and six score rods in width. This was called the "one bit pur- 
chase,'" and was laid out in 1709, into one hundred and eighty-seven whole 
share rights. This land is now the western part of Bethany. (Milford 
Record, Vol. 15, page 281.) Thus it appears that Milford once extended 
twenty miles north to Waterbury line, but its territoi-y has been ceeded to 

* Now ciillfd Skokorat. t See exiihuiatimi of I'urreiicy tcnus on jiage S. 



SEYMOUR AND VICIXITY. 7 

lielp Ibnn other towns, till it is now contnicted into a little triauii'le, of about 
six miles in length oii each side,' — Lumherfx History of the Colony of Xeic 
Haven. 

On the 15th of Aug., lOO.'i, a tract of land "known by ye name of Aces- 
quantook and Rockhousehill, bouudiul south with ye Four Mile Brook, north 
with ye Five Mile Brook, east with Woodbury road as it now is, and west 
with ye Great Kiver,'' was sold to "Wm. Tomlinson, Senior and Junior, and 
widow Hannah Tomlinson, James Hard, Johnathan Lum and Timothy 
NYooster," for twenty ])ounds, by Mawquash, Cheshcoueeg, Neighbor liutt, 
Cockapatouch, Nonnawauk, VVouson, Keuxon, llaretoon, Tarchun, Bashkan- 
uoot, Chomasfeet, proprietors of Weesoantook, with tht; consent of their saga- 
mores. The acknowledgement was made before Justice Ebenezer Johnson. 
Four Mile Brook is the stream tiowing into the Housatonic at Squantuck, and 
Five Mile Brook is the first considerable stream above. 

On the IGth of xVpril, 1700, Cockui)atain, sachem, and Kunsaway, gentle- 
man Indians of Derby, for four pounds ten shillings, sold to Capt. Ebenezer 
Johnson and Ensign Samuel Biggs a piece of land "bounded southward with 
y*" littel river, eastward & northward with David Wooster his land »li; y" above 
sd Captain's & Ensign's land & imgatuick river, westward & north with 
* * * Indian purchase." The same day "Cockupataiu and Huntaway, 
Indians of Derby," sold to Capt. l^^benezer Johnson & Ensign Sanmel Biggs 
"a certain i)arcel of meadow and upland lying at y'' u})ward of Chestnut Tree 
Hill, containing twenty acres, more or less. 

Derby, including what is now Seymour, was taken from Milford, one of 
the six towns of the New Haven colony. It was incorporated by the authority 
of New Haven in 1075, when there were in it only twelve families. The 
bounds between Derby and Milford were not laid out till 1080. 

The following list contains the names of all settlers of the town who had 
taken the freeman's oath down to 1708. 



Maj. Ebenezer Johnson, 
Ens. Samuel Biggs, 
Lieut. Thomas Wooster, 
William Nashbon, 
John Johnson, 
Ebenezer Harger, 
John Durand, 
Samuel Conors, 
Josiah Colding, 
Deacon Isaac Nichols, 
John Davis, 



Stephen Pierson, 
Joseph Hawkins, 
Timothy AVooster, 
Samuel Brinsmaid, 
Edward Biggs, 
Joseph Moss, 
William Tomlinson, 
Ens. Joseph Hulls, 
Da\id Wooster, 
Henry Wooster, 
Ephraim Smith, 



John Biggs, 
Francis French, 
Dea. Abel Holbrook, 
.John Thoobals, 
John Chatfield, 
Jeremiah Johnson, 
John Pringle, 
Samuel Nichols, 
Johnathan Lum, 
James Hard. 



That wolves and panthers were still common is evident by the passage of 
an act by the General Assembly in October, 1713, ottering a bounty of forty 
shillings to any person who should kill a wolf, catamount or panther, "and 
half as much for every wolves' whelp," 

In 1720, "it being moved by the pro])rietors of, and within the town of 
Derby, that a deed of release t^jud quit-claim of and in the lands of said 
town," the Assembly granted that such deed be executed. 

Among the military appointments by the General Assembly were those 
of Joseph Hulls as ensign of the local "trainband" m May, 1707, lieutenant in 
1809, and captain in 1710. Serj^ Thomas Wooster was by the General Assem- 
bly appointed Lieutenant in October, 1700, and commissioned accordingly. 



8 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY, 

Samuel Nichols was appointed ensign in 1709. In 1716 John Riggs 
was appointed lieutenant, and in 1722 was made captain. He was one of 
the deputies to the General Assembly in 1717, and again in 1722. Ebene- 
zer Johnson was a lieutenant colonel in the expedition to Port Royal, (N. S.), 
in August, 1710, and soon after was promoted colonel. Ebenezer Johnson, 
Jr., was appointed ensign in 1816, and lieutenant in L722. Samuel Bassett 
was appointed ensign in 1822. 

The duties of the train-band were often difficult and dangerous. The In- 
dians were numerous, and the history of the colony in those early days shows 
but too well that constant vigilance was a condition of safety. 

The tract of land just over the Oxford line and west of Little River, con- 
sisting of about one hundred acres, and known as the Park, was enclosed 
about the middle of the last century by a Mr. Wooster for the purpose of 
keeping deer. On one side of the inclosure there was an overhanging rock 
from which the hunted deer would sometimes leap into the inclosure, much 
to the discomtiture of the disappointed huntsmen. This was one of the parks 
referred to by Peters in his history of Connecticut published in 1781. 

In the olden time they were particular to give every man his title : mag- 
istrates and ministers were called Mr., church members were called brethren 
and sisters, and those who were not in church fellowship were simply good- 
man and goodwife. As there were frequent demands upon the military, they 
were held in high respect and all military titles were scrupulously observed. 
The early records abound with the titles— ensign, sergeant, lieutenant, cap- 
tain and colonel. In christening infants scriptural names and religious terms 
were most common, as for example. Content, Charity, Deliverance, Desire, 
Experience, Faith, (irace, Hope, Justice, Love, Mercy, Makepeace, Patience, 
Pity Praisegod, Prudence, Rejoice, Sillence, Thankful, &c. 

On account of the lack of money paynents were- often made in produce 
of various kinds. The following extract from the "Travels of Madam 
Knight," who made a journey from Boston to New York about 1695, gives 
a good representation of the currency of the tmne. 

"Thej give the title of merchant to every trader who rate their goods according to the time an*^ 
specie they pay in, viz., pay, money, pay as money, and trusting. Pay is grain, pork, and beef, 
&c., at the prices set by the general court that year; money is pieces of 8, ryals, or Boston or 
Bay shillings, (as they call them,) or good hard money, as sometimes silver coin is called by them ; 
also wampum, viz., Indian beads, wch. serves for change. Pay as money, is provisions as aforesaid, 
one third cheaper than as the Assembly or generall court sets it, and trust as they and the merchant 
agree for time. Now when the buyer comes to ask for a commodity, sometimes before the mer- 
chant answers that he has it, he sais, is your pay ready 1 Perhaps the chap replies, yes. What do 
you pay in \ sais the merchant. The buyer having answered, then the price is set ; as suppose he 
wants a 6d. knife, in pay it is 12d., in pay as money, 8rf., and hard money, its own value, 6rf. It 
seems a very intricate way of trade, and what 'Lex Mercatoria' Lad not thought of." 



Ttie Coiiireiatioual Clmrcli of Seyinonr. 

A Hormou doliverod in the Congregational 
Church by Rev. S. C. Leonard, July 9, ld7G : 
PSA. 12fi: C. 
He that goeth and weepeth, 
Bearing precious seed, 
Shall doubtless eoiue again with rejoiciug, 
Bringing his sheaves with him. 

On the 12th day of March, 1817 (a little 
less than .'Si)^ years ago), live men had a 
meeting at our village — the iniluonces of 
which are around us to-day. There was a 
house of worship — old and uncomfortable, 
but a house within which God had been 
honored, and where lie had recorded His 
name — standing on the hill on the other 
side of the river, and it is not unlikely that 
the meeting was held within it. 

The five men who had come together from 
different points for this council were well 
able to consider a matter. They composed, 
indeed, a more remarkable company than 
they could then have known themselves 
to be. 

One was the Rev. Nath'l W. Taylor, 
known, at that point of time, as the young 
and promising pastor of the Center Church 
in New Haven, 31 years of age, ordained to 
the work he was then performing — with 
his whole heart in it — five years, lacking a 
month, before. The theological depart- 
ment of Yale College, in which he was to 
grow to the stature of a giant, and do a 
work, and wield an influence which will 
never die, had not then been opened for in- 
struction. It was opened in 1822. 

Another of the men was the Rev. Samuel 
Merwin, pastor of the North Church and 
Society in New Haven. He was a some- 
what older man, and had been in the posi- 
tion which he was then faithfully and suc- 
cessfully occupying for 12 years. It is of 
special personal interest to me that his 
coming here was the very year after he 
had received to membership in his church 
four sisters, tenderly attached to each 
other, one of whom was my own dear 
mother — the four, by this act, joining an- 
other of their number who had united with 
tlie same church previously ; the names of 
e.ach of the sisters awaking memories of a 
happy childhood in my mind. They are all 
np higher now. It was before I was born 
that they, together with 13 others (one of 
whom was my father), united at the early 
spring communion seasoTi with Mr. Mer- 
win's church, and you will not wonder that 
the figures which stand for that year have 
interest for me. Mr. Merwin was the 
pastor whom I loved, and from whom I 
received religious instruction in my child 
hood. The first Sunday school I ever at 
tended was under his pastorate. The af- 



fectionate pressure of his hand, one day 
when I was a child, as ho met me at the 
close of a service, in a season of religious 
interest, I have never lost the feeling of — 
through the 45 years between — to this day. 
He had been told that I was desiring to 
become a follower of Christ, and as he took 
my hand in his, it seemed to me, that with- 
out speaking a word, he condensed into tlie 
loving pressure of his hand a soul full of 
interest in my welfare. I never see his 
name without feeling a thrill of joy. 

Another of the five men who came to- 
gether for the meeting at our village was 
the Rev. Bennett Tyler, then of South Bri- 
tain, pastor of the Congregational church 
there, and at this time 34 years of age. 
The Theological Seminary at East Windsor, 
with which his now distinguished name is 
associated in our thoughts, was 17 years in 
the future, when the South Britain pastor 
came to the meeting at Humphreysville, as 
our village was called then. Nobody could 
have conjectured, at that time, that the 
names of Taylor and Tyler, so peaceably 
associated at this meeting would ever come 
to have such relation to each other, as they 
did in after years. 

Another of the five men was the Rev. 
Bela Kellogg. Seventeen years before 
(class of 1800) he had been graduated at 
Williams College and had aiterwards 
studied theology with the vigorous and 
famous, and astute pastor of the church in 
Franklin, Mass. ; the man who took a 
seventy years course of hard study and 
never got tired of it — enjoyed it all the 
way through; — who never shunned a sub- 
ject because it was difficult, and never hes- 
itated over any results to which his logic 
brought him. 

The remaining member of the party was 
the Rev. Zephaniah Swift, who had then 
been for four years pastor of the ancient 
church in Derby, a church 136 years old, 
when he was called to it, and when he 
answered the call by beginning a genuine 
life work with and for it — commencing a 
pastorate which was to prove to be of more 
than a third of a century (35 years) in 
length. 

The object of this meeting of these men 
at oar village was to organize a church of 
Christ here, if it should seem to bo best. 

They prepared themselves for the work 
which they had been called to perform by 
appointing the Rev. Zephaniah Swift mod- 
erator, and Nathaniel W. Taylor scribe. 
When they were ready, nine persons pre- 
sented themselves before them, producing 
letters of good standing in other Churches 
of Christ, and asking to be organized into 
a church. The nine persons wore: Joel 
Bcebo and wife, Bradford Steele and wife, 



V 



10 



Ira Smith and wifo, Louis Ilolhrook, llaii- 
nail 1'. Joliiisoii and Sally Wlioilcr. 

Tlio qncisiion was cunwidiicnl by tlio 
council, tbo clinrcli was (>ri;anizcMl, and 
the name by which it was called was 

THE VIU-.VGE CIIUKCII. 

Tlio vote whicdi the council left on record 
of the result \v_hicli tliey reached on that 
tl.iy is very biicf, but as distinct as it is 
brief. These aic the words ot it: " Voted, 
Th(i above nanuul piu'sons be and are hereby 
or<;anized into a church in this villasie." 

This is not, however tlie earliest. ciuii-(di 
constituted here. Twenly-ei<4ht yi-ars l)e.- 
fore this, on the :5d day of Novenil>er, 178l(, 
twenty-six persons sinned a certilicate 
setting;' Ibrlh that they iiad joined the Con- 
j;rei;ational society (evidently formed then) 
in this part of the town and withdrew 
fiom the Conyre.iiational (diurch in l)erl)y. 
th(M! 112 years ohl, to form a. society in this 
])ortiou of the town. 1 have in my hand 
the document whieli lies at the basis of 
th(^ lirst Ohurch of Ciirist ever formed in 
wliat is now our villaj;e. [The document 
is published on second page. — El).] 

A viji'orous enteriu";' upon their new 
work this earlier christian company seem 
to have had the will and found the way to 
make. I^'ew in inuuber thouiih they wvvv, 
they resolutely procured a pastor aiul built 
a house of worship. 

The house of worshi[) which was put up 
at this time is of intei-est to us as ilw Jir.st 
house of wortihip ever erected in our villicje. 
It was placed on lan<l which had beeu 
owned by Mr. Isaac Johnson, and where 
the M. E. church now stands. It was built 
at sacrilice; it was built as tiiose who 
erected it could build it, with the means 
which they could conuuand. There was 
faith and ])rayer nnnjiled with the work, as 
it went forward, I iiave uo question. One 
who often worshipped within it (Mrs. Sarah 
.Jones, aft(nwards of Erie, Pa., (lauj;htci of 
I'.radford Steele) wrote concernin,<;- it 2U 
years aj;(>, to luu' sister : 

" I feed a ])eculiar interest in that church, 
well kuowiiij4' its histoi'y from the lirsl. 
This is not its lirst slru;^;!;'l(>. I well re- 
memlxir, when but a mc're child, of seeing 
the :uiguish of my niotluu-'s heart for its 
dei)ressioii. * * * 'p]n, building was 
where the Methodist church now stands. 
1 well remember when it was done o!f 
(what, doing off there was). It was divided 
o(f into [)ews. It was neither latluid or i)las- 
t.(M'ed, and I'lut poorly cl.'ipboardtMl. Many 
times have I brusluMl the snow olf the seats 
before sitting <h)wn. Its exterior resemldiMl 
;i haiii luore than a church. Still it was 
))eloved, '.ind inobably Inid as true worship- 
pers in it as thost; of modern style. * * * 
Vou, my dear sister, know, as yet, but very 



little of the struggles of our ancestors to 
[)eri)etuate the blessings we have enjoyed." 

The man who was called by tliis early 
church to minister to it the gos[)el of the 
grace of God, was the Rev. IJenjamin Beach, 
grandfather of one of our respected citizens, 
rtliaron Y. l>e;ich. The Kev. Benjamin 
IJeach pre.'iched the gos[i(d to these eariu^st 
christian iieoiile for about 15 years. The 
house, which was built eillier for or l)y him, 
lor a parsonage, is standing now, and is 
the second dwelling east of the present 
house of worship of the M. K. chur(di — 
next the new and tasteful parsonage which 
has been built witliiu the year past by the 
Methodist society. The building which 
was to be the lirst pastor's home was ready 
for its occupants ^■ery promidly — w ithin a 
tew months after the orgainzation of the 
little church (things seem to ha\e been 
done with a will then) — and Mr. Beach 
moved into it iu March, 17'JU, ha\ing 
waited for a time for an ojiportuiiity to 
bring his lionsehold g(H)ds from Isl(U'tli 
Haven on snow, which did not, however, 
fall that winter, so as to leuder it possible 
for him to do so. 

Two outlines of sermons preached by the 
Rev. Biuij. Beach are before me. Time, you 
see, has left traces of its passagt; on the old 
manuscripts. One of them was preached 
in the year 17D8, from Luke, U : 42. The 
other is a fast »hiy sermon, preached I'roui 
II. Kings, I'J: 14—20, on the 25th of April, 
17'J'J, at the ))oint of time when dillicul- 
ties with France were assuming a threat- 
ening, and even warlike, asiiect; diliiciil- 
ties which were, to the joy of all, adjustcsd, 
after a singhi, or rather a double naval 
isngagement, in which the Freneli frigate 
lusurgente, an<l the American frig.-ite Con- 
sti^llalion were |iromiueiit. The seiiiiou 
was preached a yi'ar and li\e months before 
the treaty, by which peace was restored, 
was concluded, and nine months before 
the death of Washington. Of the genuine 
liatriotism of the writer, it leav(?s no room 
for question. It has the true ring of the 
wt)rds which W(^re spoken abuiidanl iy from 
our loyal Conueclient puliuts, in the latter 
[lart of the last century. There is vigor of 
thought indicated by these old time-worn 
manuscripts; there was a live; ni;iii be- 
hind thiun once. They indicate, I judg(% 
tiie possession, by this' lirst i»astor of 
our village, of a good deal of the power 
of i)ultiiig things in a telling way. They 
were, (evidently, w(dl adjustc(l to the time 
to which they belonged, as every sermon 
ought to be. One of them was preaclied 
several times, and, as the luailcs on the 
margin of it sliovv, once at Waterhury. 
Till! remains ol' this lirst pastor of our lirst 
church lie in Milton, a parish of the famous 



11 



town of Litchfield ; fiiinons not so mncli I'or 
Us rocks and its pnri; .-lir, as for its MKX. 

llovv laijjjo tlic ciinrcli l)i'canu) witiiin 
these iiftecn ycais ot tiic faitlifnl ininistia- 
tions of its iirst pastor, 1 liavc not hccn 
ahlo to ascia-tain. I fear th(;i(; arc no 
records of it in existcnci\ Tlie Rev. Mi\ 
Beacli coniphited liis worii liiire, and re- 
moved to Milton, in l-^O.'). 

'IMicn th(^ eiuireii was for a time scatter- 
ed. Jhit its m(Mnl)i'rs liad tiie Jieart to 
worsiii|) God and they went, some to Ox- 
ford, some to (jir(\it lliil, some to l>t^tlKlny, 
as they most conveniently couhl. Alter a 
time the Rev. Zephaniaii 8\vift became 
piistor of the chnrcli in Derby, and, with a 
j;fnnin(i interest in the welf.iii! of the 
chnrcli, preached for it occasionally. 

Jiiit a new element had, in the nicantimo, 
becsii introdnced into our village. It had 
taken a new name, and was the scene of a 
new and bnsy life. One could not have 
told, at that point of time, into what piinii- 
iiience it mif;ht rise. Tliat man of emi- 
nence, r<^^ariled as an ornament to tin? 
)>erio(l in which he livc<l, scholar, historian, 
)ioetand i>atiiot, Gi:x. David IIuMriiKKVs, 
had fixed niion this sjiot in our valley to 
work out a noble idea which had taken 
possession of his mind. He had gained his 
lionors IxdiU'e Ik; est:iblishe(l his interests 
here. His (experience of life had been very 
varitnl. He had seen the world in ditfc!- 
ent phases ot it ; had seen it, and had help- 
ed to mould it. He had been a successful 
military man. He had been a personal 
JViend and associate of the gnrat Washinj;'- 
ton. He had l)een intimately connected 
with the brave and nnfortnnatt; Kosciusko. 
H<; had been ambassador to two iin[)ortant 
tbrei;;ii courts, from which he retir tied, 
brin-^inj;- back to hisnativ(? land — and to 
this, his native town — the "true (jitUJin 
Jtcfcc," as the phrase is in the inscriiition 
«>n the shaft of graniti! which marks the 
resting place of his remains, in thii old 
cemetery in New Hav<'n. He died Ftdj. 
21, 1818. He entered Yahv, collej>i; when 
he was l.') years old, only,':in<l was j;ra(luated 
when he was I'J ; — (class of 1771). lb; com- 
menced his entcrjirise here — returning to 
his native valley from his residence abroad— 
when he was 52, enriched by all his ex- 
perience, using his wealth fretdy, gather- 
ing into his plans all his broad resources, 
and employing them without stint or nar- 
rowness. Uc laid the foundation of his 
work, on the bank of our beautifnl river — 
and at one of the most beautiful jioints uji- 
on it — in the year 1804; and in 1810, when 
the new manufacturing company was in- 
corporated, the village was wearing his 
naiiK^ 

The enterprise which Gen. Ilumiihreys 



established hero was, for its time, one to 
be looked at by a whole region, and it 
carried the name of our village, (Hu.Mrii- 
i:kvsvili.i',) to dilfen'iit and distant points, 
made it laniiliar at our nation's capilol, 
and honored liy the presidents of our re- 
public. Dr. Dwight, the able inesident of 
Yale College, who was personally, (and I 
think inliniat(dy) aciinaintcd with Gen. 
Humplu(;ys, says (jf it : 

"In Europe great complaints have been 
made of manufacturing estal>lisinneiits as 
liaving been, vei-y commonly, seats of 'ice 
and disease. Gen. Humphreys began this 
with a determination either to prevent 
these evils, or if this cciuhl not be done, to 
give up the design. With regard to the 
health of the people it is snflicient to ob- 
serve, that from the year 1804 to the yeai' 
1810, not an individual belonging to the 
institution died, and it is bcTlieved that 
among no oth(;r equal number of persons 
there has been less disease. (Dwight's 
1 ravels, vol. HI, p. :W;!.j 

A journey, of which a vcsry graphic 
record has come down to us, was made by 
Pres. Dwight across our valley, in the in- 
terval* marked by tin; establishment of 
this manufacturing institution — in the 
autumn of 1811. He speaks of it with 
enthusiasm. He had an eye for natural 
bt!aut;y, and he found it here. His words 
are fairly aglow as ho writes about 
the spot which lies a few rods north of the 
place on which this house stands. He says : 

"The scenery at this s[iot is delightfully 
romantic. The Fall is a hue object. The 
river, the buildings belonging to the insti- 
tution, the . valley, the bordering lulls, 
farms and houses, groves and forests united, 
form a landscaiie in a high degree inter- 
esting." (Travels, vol. Ill, p. :3;»4.) 

I'res. Dwight seems to have been es- 
[tecially interested in the moral aspects of 
the inauufacturing enterprise, of which ho 
gives a detailed and very valuable accounl, 
established hen* l»y Gen. Humphreys. 

WhtMi Dr. Dwight wrote the account of 
this jouiiiey he was near the end of his 
life. He died a year and a month earlier 
than Gen. Humphreys, and two months 
before this church was reorganized. 

Of course, in the year 1817, when tho 
council of which Dr. Taylor was scribe as- 
senibhul here, our village was much larger 
than when the earlier church was organ- 
iz d. With the infusion of mnv life w hich 
it had received, it had gained a new out- 
look. It had passed through vicissitudes. 
The war of 1812 had affected tlit^ manufae- 
turiiig industries of the place very greatly, 
at tirst pros[)erously and then adversely. 
Ihit the new Church of the Living (Jod 
w hich was planted on that March (lay of 



12 



1817, bad opportunity broad enough of 
bearing fruit for the Master, on our hill- 
sides and in our valley ; and it seems to 
have desired to improve it. The facts are 
these : The church was constituted ou the 
12th of March. Eighteen days later, on the 
30th of March, the Kev. Zephauiah Swift, 
of Derby, was present at one of its meet- 
ings, and received 18 others into member- 
sliip. One of the 18 who united with the 
new church, on that daj"^, is living now, a 
respected — and the oldest — member of our 
church, and is spending ou this Sabbath, 
her S(Jth birthday, Mrs. Daniel White. 

Two mouths after the church was organ- 
ized, the Rev. Bela Kellogg received other 
members. lu the following September, six 
mouths after its organization, others still 
presented themselves to unite with it, so 
that when the church entered upon the 
second j-ear of its new existence, it had 
within it — their names enrolled on its re- 
cords — between thirty and forty men and 
women, who had chosen to stand up to de- 
clare themselves for Christ, aud their readi 
ness to do work for him. Thirty-four men 
and women in vital earnest, can do a great 
deal. The christian age was introduced 
with a company which could have been 
counted more easily than this. 

These 34 disciples of Christ, thus formed 
into a new church, so beginning anew in 
the christian work, wanted to dedicate to 
the Master a new house of worship. So 
they prayed to God, and talked the matter 
over with each other. The result was that, 
to the M. E. society, which had been pre- 
viously formed, the old building, endeared 
to many hearts, was sold, Sept. 22, 1818, 
and the vigorous Church of the New Be- 
ginning, in due time, and as it could, built 
for itself a new house, on the spot over- 
looking the river, on the eastern side of it, 
where the old Congregational burying 
ground is now. The church began at once, 
in 1818, to prepare for the work of building, 
meeting for a time in the Belle school 
house, the steeple was added to complete 
the ediiice, in 1829. 

Of those who ministered the gospel to the 
church in the house of worship overlook- 
ing the river, some are remembered verj' 
distinctly by individuals here to-day. One 
of the earliest and most constant friends of 
the church seems to have been the Rev. 
Zcplianiah Swift, of Derby. He gave it 
counsel ; ho gave it time ; he gave it 
worlv. At one period of its early history 
he was placed at liberty, by vote of his 
own church, to preach for it a fourth of 
the time, receiving from it a fourth of his 
salary. This church owes much under God 
to that man, of stately dignity of bearing, 
but with a warm heart beating within him, 
good, and true and faithful ; the man who 



made so powerful an impression on at least 
one who, came under his iuflueuce, as to 
lead him with extravagance of expression 
to say, that it would be joy enough for him, 
if he could ever get to heaven, to meet 
Zephaniah Swift there. 

The Rev. Bela Kellogg was never pastor 
of the church, but miuistered to it for a 
time, not far from its beginning. 

The Rev. Ephraim G. Swift was pastor 
of the church from 1825 to 1827. He died 
in Aug., 18r)8. 

On the 11th day of May, 1828, the Rev. 
Amos Pettingil received to membership of 
the church several individuals, among 
whom were luaao Sperry aud wife, Albert 
Carrington, AdaliDe and Emeline Sperry, 
and Olive Merriana. Of those who united 
with the church while the Rev. Ephriam 
G. Swift was pastor, one only is a member 
now, Mrs. Henry P. Davis. 

The name of the Rev. Charles Thompson 
first appears under date of July 20, 1828. 
He was installed pastor of the church in 
April, 1830. His ministry within it was of 
about live years in length. He seems to 
have labored faithfully. I judge, from 
what I can gather from the old records, 
that he had genuine love of his work. It 
seems as if it were overflowing from his 
pen, at times, as he was making some of 
the entries which we have in his hand- 
writing. From what I hear about him and 
his family, from those who were personally 
acquainted with them, I should judge him 
to have been a good man with an excellent 
wife. He came here from Dundaff, Pa. 
He, too, has finished his work on earth. 
He died in March, 1855. Of those who 
united with the church while the Rev. 
Chas. Thompson ministered to it, three are 
members now : Mrs. Maria Holbrook, Mrs. 
Geo. Washburn, and Mrs. B. M. Durand. 

The ministry of the Rev. RoUin S. Stone 
was also within this period. His arrange- 
ment with the church and society was a 
peculiar one. He engaged to be responsible 
for the weekly supply of the pulpit, with 
the understanding that the Rev. Mr. Swift, 
of Derby, should preach one-half the time, 
by regular and stated exchange. Mr. 
Story spending the secular days of the 
week at New Haven, in the Theological 
Seminary. This arrangement was contin- 
ued for fifteen months — from June 2, 1833, 
to Sept. 1, 1834, the relation was then sev- 
ered, according to his own record of the 
matter, " in peace aud love." 

The Rev. John E. Bray ministered to the 
church for about seven years and a-half — 
from Sept., 1834, to April, 1842. Of those 
who united with the church within this 
time, two only are members now — Dea. 
David Johnson, and Mrs. Sarah Collins. 

On the 26th of June, 1843, the Rev. Wm. 



13 



B. Curtiss was culltHl by the church to 
bt'come its pastor. His niiuistry was of 
Hoiuewh^it over six years iu length. He 
was a man who loveil to work, and who 
always I'oniid work to do, if it was to be 
found — an<l it always was, and is. 

Whi'ii the liev. Mr. Cnrtiss entered upon 
his ministry here, the house of worship on 
tile otlier sitle of the river was not, by any 
means, an old one. lint the fact had be- 
come very apparent that it was not cen- 
trally located. As business developed, the 
villai"*^ grew away from it, instead of around 
it, and the company who had chosen to be 
called TiiK Villa(;e CnuiiCii decided that 
a new ho'jse ought to be built. And there 
was enterprise enough to ilo it. It is this 
hi>nse, within which we are now (one of 
t lie easiest houses to speak iu I have ever 
used — of [iroportions conformed to acoustic 
law as fully as can be desired) which arose 
out of tiie energetic puri>ose formed at that 
time. The '20th day of April, 1847, Avas 
<ledication day within it ; a day of joy and 
gladness. The Kev. Mr. Cnrtiss remained 
pastor of the church and society for two 
and a half years longer — until Oct. 15, 
1^40. Of those who united with the church 
while h(^ ministered to it, six are members 
now : Wni. Hull, Mrs. Emeline Bliss, Mrs. 
Emeline .Steele, Mrs. Laura A. Culver, Mrs. 
Esther Canlield, and Chas. Duraud. 

Four years and nine days after this 
house was dedicated to the worship of 
<iod— on the 2'Jth day of April, 1851— it 
was oi)ened for the lirst installation service 
<ner held within it. On that day the Rev. 
E. B. Chand)erlaiu was constituted pastor 
of the church and society. The installatuju 
sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Har- 
rison <d' Bethany. Mr. Chamberlain had 
been here for nearly a year btd'ore this day. 
The last record to which his name is signed, 
as jiastor, is under date of March 21, 1852 — 
neaj-Jy a year later. His rerjuest to have 
the jiastoral relation dissolved was based 
on (he ground of ill-health, and was ac- 
ceded to' by the church May 20, IH.Vi— two 
and a half years after his name first appears 
ou the records of the church. Of those 
who united with the church while he min- 
istered the gosi)el to it, two are members 
uc)\v : ^Ir. anil Mrs. Roswt^U Kinney. 

The lU'V. J. E. Willard, now, and for 
more than twenty yi^ars past the successful 
past< r of the Congregational church in 
W'estville, commenced iiis ministry hei'e 
.Sept. 1, 1852, and continued it to May 1, 
1855 — two years and two-thirds. He left, 
very warm fiiends here, and has made very 
waiin friends elsewiiere. Of those who 
united with the church wliile he ministei- 
ed to it, two are uunnbers iu)W : Mr. and 
Mrs. Sheldon C. Sanford. 



At about this time our village suffered 
the loss of aheavy manufacturing industry 
which involved the removal from the place 
of iu)t far from thirty families conuected 
with the congregation. Otluu- disasters 
followed. A wave of financial embarrass- 
ment swept over the land. It was a time 
of dejection and discouragement., and this 
church and society felt the influences of it 
keenly. 

On one of these days, a young man just 
out of college was passing through our vil- 
lage — Henry D. Northrop. He had never 
been ordained to the work of the ministry, 
but he had a soul aglow with the love of 
Christ — he had something to say for 
Christ, tiiid lie could my it. Mr. Wallace M. 
Tuttle was nt>t deacon of the church at 
the time, but he was soon to become such, 
and he never did a wiser and better thing 
than when he sought out the young gradu- 
ate of Amherst College and almost com- 
pelled him to stop and work for Christ 
here. It was the Lord's plan. The Lord or- 
dained him first, and man ordained him 
afterwards. No such revival as the Lord 
gave him to see that winter, had, up to that 
point of time, bec^u witnessed, in connec- 
tion with the whole history of the church. 
The Lord set his own seal to the work 
faithfully and efUcieutly performed. The 
time which seemed so adverse proved to be a 
glorious time in which to nurture faith to- 
wards God. The ministry of the Rev. H. D. 
Northrop here was commenced in August, 
1857, and continued through the larger 
l)art of the year 1858. Of those who united 
with the church at that time, twelve are 
members now : Henry P. Davis, Mrs. Han- 
nah Canheld, Mrs. Harriet E. Dennej', Mrs. 
Emeline Ricks, Mrs. Fidelia E. Holden, 
Miss Sarah L. (Jrmsbee, Mr. and Mrs. (Jeo. 
E. Lester, Mrs. William Losee, Miss Oiilla 
E. Hnrlburt, Miss Grace E. Botsfbrd and 
Mrs. Mary Worth. 

The ministry of the Rev. E. C. Baldwin 
was of a year in length, from May, 18.59, to 
May, 18Gt). The ministry of the Rev. Syl- 
vester Hine was of about efpial length. 
The ministry of the Rev. J. L. Mills, (now 
Prof, in Marietta College, Ohio,) was of 
about two yeais in length, from 18(J2 to 
18(54. The ministry of the Rev. G(!orge A. 
Dickermaii was (d" a single year in length, 
from 18()4 to 1S(;5. Of those who united 
with the chuich within these years, st^veii 
are nu'inbeis now : Mr. and Mrs. .Tanu-s L. 
SpcMicer, Mrs. Augusta. Lathrop, Mrs. H. A. 
Ridi-r, Mrs. Lucy DeW(dfe, Miss Huldah 
l)e Wolfe, Miss Harriet Hotchkiss and Mrs. 
Raymond I'reniii. 

Ou the lirst day of Ftsbruary, 18(I(), this 
house was opened for another installation 
service. The Rev. A. J. (.^uick had accepted 



14 



tlie cull of the church and society, and on 
that (lay was constituted pastor. The Rev. 
J. L, Willard, of Westville, preached the 
installation sermon, and the installing 
prayer was offered by the Rev. C. S. Sher- 
man, of Nangatnck. Mr. Quick's pastorate 
was a brief one. The exact length of it I 
have been unable to ascertain. The facts 
which I have found are — that he was en- 
gaged as stated supply for one year com- 
mencing April 30, 1805 ; that his name is 
to be found ou the records, for the last 
time, as moderator of the church, under 
date of April 19, 18G7 ; and that he was 
dismissed from membership on the 13th of 
June, 1868; a little less than two and a 
half years after his installation. Of those 
who were received within the time covered 
by his ministry, ten are members of the 
church now: Mr. and Mrs. James Swan, 
Mrs. S. J. Castle, Mr. and Mrs. John Whit- 
ney, Miss Frances Lounsbury,William Bell, 
Miss Catharine Bell, Miss Catharine Bur- 
well and Mrs Mary Lockwood. 

On the !:i2d of May, 18i)8, this house was 
opened for an ordination service. The 
Rev. Allen Clark was, on that day, ordained 
as an evangelist, by a council called by 
letters missive issued by this church, to 
which Mr. Clark was then ministering. 
The ordination sermon was preached by 
Dr. Churchill, of Woodbury, and the or- 
daining prayer was offered by Rev. C. 
Chamluulin, of Oxford. In connection 
w ith the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Clark, 
another glorious revival of religion oc- 
curred. It is of such recent date — only 
eight years ago — that there must be many 
very vivid recollections of it in the minds 
of many of yon «ho are present. Of those 
who united with the church within the 
time covered by Mr. Clark's ministry, 
twenty are members now : Joshua Kendall, 
Mr. and Mrs. Charles V. Hartl, Miss Ennna 
Lo(!kwood, Miss Hattie M. Fcu'd, Mrs. 
James Richardson, Mrs. A. A. Harris, Mrs. 
Frank Russell, Mrs. William Fife, Mrs. 
Ella F. Reynolds, Mrs. E. A. Robinson, 
Miss Hortie V. Swift, Henry B. Lockwood, 
Charles Sherman, Mrs. E. C. Barr, Mrs. F. 
Boeker, William B. Nichols, Mr. and Mrs. 
Edwin Segar and Mis. George Fowler. 

The 2.'")th of November, 18()9, was another 
ordination day. The Rev. H. P. Collin 
was, at that time, ordained to the work of 
an evangelist, by a council called by this 
church. The ordination sermon was preach- 
ed by the Rev. Mr. Adamson, of Ansonia, 
and the ordaining prayer was otfered by 
the Rev. Mi. Gray, of Derby. The scribe 
of the couneil was the Rev. Robert C. Bell. 
I have not been able to ascertain tin; 
exact length of the ministry of Mr. Collin 
here. His hand writing a|tpears, on the 



records of the church, for the first time 
at date of July 18,18(59, and for the last 
time, as I judge, May 1, 1870. Of those 
who united with the church within the 
years 18(i9 and 1870, sixteen are members 
now: Mrs. Laura E. Northrop, David Wil- 
liams, Mr. and Mrs. Roswell C. Cantield, 
Richard Evans, Mrs. Charles Bliss, Mrs. C. 
J. Olmstead, Mrs. Juliette B. Hull, William 
J. Barr, Mr. and Mrs. Noah Osboin, Mr. 
and Mrs. Rufus Spencer, Mr. and Mrs. 
George A. Benedict and Mrs. Elizabeth C. 
Fiersou. 

The ministry of the Rev. J. W. Fitch, 
here, seems to have been of from one to 
two years in length. His name appears 
on the records, for the tirst time under date 
of May 7, 1871, and for the last time, in 
his own hand writing, under date of May 
28, 1872. Of those who united with the 
church within this time, two are members 
now : Mrs. Phoibe A. Hubbell and Thomas 
B. Minor. 

The Rev. William J. Thomson was in- 
stalled pastor of the church and society on 
the 24th of January, 1873. The installatiou 
sermon was preached, and the installing 
prayer ottered by the Rev. J. L. Willard of 
Westville. The ministry of the Rev. Mr. 
Thomson here was closed on the 27th of 
October, 1874. of those who united with 
the church within this period, six are mem- 
bers now: Mrs. W. J. Thomson, Mrs. D. 
Simpson, Miss Ennna E. Beach, Miss Mar- 
garet Smith, Mrs. Benjamin Thayer and 
Miss Libbie O. Lockwood. 

The ministry which has not yet termi- 
nated, was commenced on the 15th of No- 
vember, 1874. Of those who have united 
with the church since that date, all — tvveu- 
ty-nine in number — are members now : 
Mrs. and Miss Leonard, Mr. and Mrs. An- 
drew Barr, Mrs. Isaac Losee, Charles 
Sheard, W. I. Warren, Charles J. Reynolds 
Miss Jessie Swan, Miss Sarah S. Osboru, 
Miss Mattie Osborn, Miss Eliza M. Creel- 
man, Mrs. Charlotte Hayman, Mr. and Mrs. 
Robert A. Weaver, Mrs. Mary A. Hurlburt, 
Miss Freddie Quiering, Miss Carrie L. Pick- 
hardt, Miss Bertha E. Johnson, Miss Mary 
E. Si»eiicer, Miss Mary E. French, Mrs. 
Annie E. Lyinaii, Frank H. Wyant, Walter 
W. Dorman, Miss Ellen C. Hard, Miss 
Lydia A. Hard, Miss Mary A. Hill, Frank 
A. Smith and Mrs. Sarah M. Lines. May 
the number be increased, and there be 
ad<led to the church a multitude of such 
as shall be saved ! 

Of those who have ministeed to the 
church as dkacons, several have gone to 
their rest. The lirst dca(;on <»f the earliest 
church was Mr. Baldwin, «»f Dei by. When 
the church was reorganized in 1817, the 
two chosen to this service were. Brad- 



15 



f(»r»l Steelo and Nehemiah Botsford. 
Tbiiy occupied the ollice for almost 
all that remained to tliem of life. 
Deacon Steele, in September, 1840 — after 
nearly a (piarter centnry of service, and 
a little more than a year before his death — 
asked to be released from tiio peiformance 
of further ofticial duty, and, because of his 
a<4e and inlirmity, his reiinest was granted. 
Deacon liotsford had, a little btd'ore, made 
a similar request, which had been granted 
also. 

A hundred years ago to-day, Bradford 
Steele was a boy of not <]uite hfteen years 
of age. But there was a dark war-cloud 
coming up into view. It was seen from 
our hill sides and our valleys with very 
great distinctness. Many brave men and 
women looked upon it with the calmness 
of heroic courage. Boys saw it, and were 
ready to take their share in what it involv- 
ed. Bradford Steele was not quite sixteen 
when he enlisted in the army which repre- 
sented the cause of freedom. Terrible 
scenes he passetl through. There was one 
<lay memories of which seemed to lie 
gleaming in his mind through his whole 
long after life. It was the 22(1 day of 
August, 1777. He was taken prisoner and 
treatetl with a cruelty which was merciless, 
his very appearance becoming so changed 
by what he endured, (and the boys of that 
time could endure a good deal of hardship 
w ithout being greatly atfected by it,) that 
his own father, when he met him did not 
at hrst know who he was. He tiled in 
peace, Dec. 23, 1841, at the ripe age of 80. 

There have been " ery few tirmer friends 
of the church thau Deacon Sheldon Kinney, 
now among those who have gone bel'ore. 
It was out of a gift maile by him to the 
society that our pleasant autl convenient 
parsonage has come. He was a man, I 
judge from what 1 hear about him, of a 
clear head and a large heart. He was ap- 
jtointed deacon of the church on the (ith of 
September, 1840. The names of those who 
have served as deacons for a longer or 
MJiorter tune I have tried to collect and ar- 
lange in the order in which they have per- 
ibrmed the service : Cupt. Timothy Bald- 
win, ai)poiuted in 178'.); Bradford Steele 
and Nehemiah Botsford, appointed in 1S17; 
.Sheldon Kinney and Alfred Hull, 1840; 
Andrew W. DeForest, 1H44 ; William Kin- 
ney, iVliles Culver and .J. L. Spencer, 18.^):5 ; 
W. M. Tuttle, ls.^)8; Charles Bradley, date 
of api>oiiitnient not recorded; DavidJohu- 
.son and I^evi Lounsbiiry, 1805; Joshua 
Kendall, 18(»8. 

A very incomplete idea, (but still one of 
some value,) of the religious intluences 
exerted here within the century of our ex- 
isteuce as a nation, nniy be suggested by 



an enumeration of the houses of worship 
which have been built. 

What is now Seymour was, at first, a 
part of the old "jurisdiction of New Haven." 
For a little less than forty years (Ki:?'.)- 
1(177) it was a part of Milford. For a hnn- 
dre<l and sixty-three years, (1G77-18.')0) it 
was a part of Derby. For only twenty-six 
years has it had an existence as a town- 
ship with its present name. And then we 
are wearing now our fourth local name — 
Naukotunk (meaning one great tree) the 
tirst ; Chusetown, the second ; Humphreys- 
ville, the third; Seymour, the fourth ; each 
of the names, but the first, being personal 
in their reference ; elevating into promi- 
nent view an individual; the first name 
bringing into prominence an object in na- 
ture. (They are all gone now.) 

In the township of Milford — of which 
the laud which is now covered by our vil- 
lage was then a part — a Congregational 
church was formed on the lOth day of 
August, IG'.W — the year after the beginning 
at New Haven, 2IJ7 years ago. As the basis 
of the plan on which this oldest church 
was organized, those who were to consti- 
tute it took the text Proverbs 9:1: 

"Wisdom hath builded her house. 

She hath hewn out her seven pillars," 
and selected seven of their number to join 
together in covenant to be the church, and 
to Ite called the pillars, to whom the rest 
were afterwards added. 

Thirty-seven years later, in 1G77, the 
Congregational church in Derby was con- 
stituted. So it was two centuries ago, 
lacking one year, that this church, in what 
theu became our town, was organized. 
It was long ago for this continent. It was 
only 93 years after the death of Luther, 
ami it was 2C> years before John Wesley 
was born, that this ancient church, only 
five miles awaj' from us, was formed. It 
was after that church had been in exist- 
triice and doing its work about a hundred 
and thirteen years that .lesse Lee, one ut' 
Wesley's followers, passed through, for the 
first time, the |»lace where it had been 
standing until it had grown grey with age, 
and hired a bell man to ring the people 
out that he might preach to them. 

A CKNTUHY A(io To-i)AV, the fat her of Gen. 
Humphreys had passed the middle of his 
pastorate, of more than half a century in 
ItMigth. A century ago to-day, the Kev. 
Daniel Hunqdireys had been doing the 
work of a pastor of the dock of Clirist, 
li\e miles fnnu where we are, forever forty 
years. iMaiiy timt!s h.ad he been over.onr 
hills an<l through our valleys, on errands 
for the Master. A t;entuiy ago to-day, his 
son David, (whom he had named aftt-r the 
King of Isra«-1, and wlunu he hoped would 



16 



make sometliiDo;,) was a young man 24 
years of a^e, looking up into the future to 
see what he could carve out of it. Those 
who were living in this i)art of the town — 
when they wanted to attend services of 
public worship — (and people in those days 
expected to, and were exi)ected to) — went 
to what is now Derby, to hear Mr. Humph- 
reys — it was all Derby then. There were 
families here a century ago who could have 
gained something by a steaily going to 
meeting, and it is to be hoped they did go. 

The Iiulian Sachem whom we know best 
.as Chnse, (Joe Mauwehu,) was here a cen- 
tury ago, yjrobably not far from where we 
are, only across the river ; his wigwam 
standing on the south border of the liat, 
west of the resideuce of Mr. Rayuiond 
French, beautifully set among a grove of 
white oaks there. (He mai/ have been, 
just then, in the vicinity of where Dr. 
Stoddard now lives.) A century ago his 
youngest child — Eunice — was an Indian 
girl 14 years old, her father au athletic 
skillful hunter, with some knowledge such 
as civilization has to give, but with the 
instincts of his race strong within him. At 
some point of his long life (lie died wheu 
about 80) he united with the church in 
Derby. But even after he came to hope 
that he loved the Lord, he kuew that he 
loved — that which biteth like a serpent 
and stingeth like an adder. 

The iirst house of worship — that built 
for the Kev. Benjamin Beach — was erected 
86 years ago. The frame of it was probably 
raised in the month of April, 1791. The 
second house of worship ever erected at 
what is now our village is the pleasant 
and commodious one belonging to the 
Protestant Episcopal Church. The Epis- 
copal Society was organized Feb. 20, 1797. 
Tlii.-J house was originally built by tsvo 
societies in union, but has been recon- 
structed at heavy expense, by the society 
owning it uow, into its present attractive 
Ibrni. The third house of worship erected 
at our village was the second Congrega- 
tional house, built on the hill overlooking 
the river. This was comnu-nced — or pre)>a- 
ration was begiin for it — in 1818. The 
fourth is this house in which we arc — the 
third ('ongregational house — built in 184fi. 
The lildi is the houst^ owned Ity the Metho- 
dist E|)is(()pal Church. Tiie corner stone 
of this cdilice was laid on Saturday, .June 
19, 1H17. Tile sixth is tiie hous^^ ij'nilt by 
tlu! liaptist Church. The cliuich was or- 
ganized in 1848, and the house was erected 
in Urd. The iiouse built by the congi-ega- 
tion connected witii tiie church of Kome, 
is of more recent date. 

So tliere hav<; be(^n three years, not fai' 
apart, of tlie life of our vilhige, whicli 



have been, characteristically, church-build- 
ing years. This temple-building-work is, 
of itself, on the surface, I kuow,. but it 
traces away to something which lies deep 
down in human hearts — interest in the 
things of God's worship. It has seif-deuial 
underlying it — and mixed with it. There 
is prayer and faith back of it and below it. 
There has beeu a lite lived within our vil- 
lage, invisible of itself, but which has 
come to view in these results. It has becMi 
quietly lived by many. It has been a 
blessing to us. 

Within these sanctuaries, which have 
arisen from the impulses and purposes of 
this life, (God aiding and blessing,) the 
gospel of our salvation has been preaclied, 
witli earnestness and success. The health- 
ful iutluences exerted by these difereul 
churches, through these 86 years of tinu* 
past, has been, to our village, au advantage 
wliich cannot be estimated. These iutlu- 
ences penetrate, to a greater or less extent, 
business and social life, encouraging integ- 
rity, and houesty, aud honor, and discour- 
aging evil. The more vigorou>s these 
churches of our village are, the better will 
be the Aillage, as a place to have a home 
in — a place iu which to spend, iileasantly 
and usefully, these days which bear us 
along to the end. Our days are all journey 
days — days of travel along our life-way. 

These churches of Christ have beeui 
schools of the Master, from which a great 
many have been graduated and called up. 
These houses of worship havi.' been centers 
from which have radiated invisible tenden- 
cies toward what is good and true — forces 
stimulative of elevating thought and feel- 
ing and action. 

A church becomes localized, as it builds 
a house of worship around itself. It gains 
for itst-lf a religious home. Then the home 
feeling has opi>ortuiiity to act and re-act 
within the religious iiaturt;. A church is 
not infrefiueutiy moulded, to an extent — 
its daily .and weekly life materially affected 
— by the house which belongs to it, and to 
which it belongs; not as it belongs to 
Christ, but as it can lieloug to e.irthl_\- 
things. 

The whole history of (his church, taken 
in connection with th(^ church out of which 
it came, most naturally divides itself into 
three perio<ls, marked by the erection of 
its thice ditierent houses of sv(irship. 

The Iirst period of 27 years in length, 
from the beginning in 1789 to the assem- 
bling of tlie Council of Five in 1817. This 
is the pioneer jiei'iod. the period of struggle 
for the neressities of religious lite. Of tlie 
churcii, as it lived through this period, we 
kie'w something, but niucli hiss than we 
should be glad to know. The 27 yi'ars of 



17 



meeting within that house had sunshine and 
shadow within them, as years have now. 
There was trial hravely borne, and, proba- 
bly, trial not bravely borne. They were 
years with days of weeping and days of 
rejoicing within them. The 20 men whose 
names are on this old paper — discolored by 
these 80 years and more through which it 
has come down to us — represented families, 
households, with young and old in them, 
and into which joy and sorrow came, as it 
comes into our dwellings now. 

This earliest church gathers itself most 
naturally, in our thoughts, around the man 
who was, for 15 years its pastor ; a man 
who honored God and sought to aid man to 
find God; a man ready to do whatever his 
hands found to do, and whose hands, both 
of them, did find enough to do. 

The church, in this earliest period of its 
history, is sometimes spokeu of as one of 
what were called the "separate" churches 
of the time. 

The great awakening of 1740 — of the 
time of Whitfield, and Edwards, and Bel- 
lamy — enkindled new zeal, and desire of 
larger liberty than the relation which then 
existed between the church and state allow- 
ed, and a number of churches arose, as the 
result of this feeling, which were known 
as "separate" churches ; some of them com- 
posed of the better elements, and some of 
the discordant ones. I do not, however, 
find this church in any list which has come 
to my knowledge thus far, of these churches. 
The fact that it was Congregational, and 
known as such, is not decisive, for the 
separate churches — some of them — claimed 
to be more truly Congregational than any 
others. The single fact which I do find, 
relating to the matter is that its first and 
only permanent pastor had been, before he 
came here, minister of a separate church 
in Prospect. I have found evidence enough 
that this early church was an earnest 
church. There was human nature in it, 
unquestionably. We find scars of misun- 
derstanding and difficulty as we trace out 
its history ; but this is not so strange a 
thing in churches of other times as I wish 
it was. After all the labor which I have 
given to the gathering of every item of in- 
formation concerning it which I could find, 
in any quarter, I think of it as a praying, 
self-denying, earnest, energetic chui'ch of 
Christ; adjusted to its time, of course, as 
it needed to be in order to be most useful ; 
but loving and serving the Master, and 
obeying God rather than man. I look back 
upon that first church of our place with a 
great deal of interest. 

The second period is of 29 years in 
length ; from the meeting of the Council 
of Five in 1817, to the dedication of this 



house in which we are assembled. This is 
the period of quiet, steady work and pro- 
gress. The men whom we see ministering 
to it — going in and out of its house of 
worship, and of the dwellings of those who 
composed its congregation — sharing joys 
and sorrows with them — the Rev. Zepha- 
niah Swift, the Rev. Bela Kellogg, the Rev. 
Ephraiin G. Swift, the Rev. Charles Thomp- 
son, the Rev. RoUiu S. Stone, the Rev. 
John E. Bray and the Rev. William B. 
Curtiss — form a company whom it is an 
honor to the church to have had within it. 
Among the laymen who come into promi- 
nent view, within this period — [among 
those who have gone home ; of the 
living I will not speak] are Bradford Steele, 
Nehemiah Botsford, Sheldon Kinney, Alfred 
Hull, Ira Smith and Daniel White. Miles 
Culver, energetic, self-denying, generous, 
prompt, serving the Master and loving tu 
do it, and continuing to do it to the end, 
united with the church Jan. 5, 1845, not 
far from the time when this house was 
built. 

The third period is, up to this point of 
time, of just 30 years in length, but open 
for more to follow, of work for Christ, and 
of blessings coming — to the worker in the 
doing of the work, and to others through 
the work. 

The merest sketch of the history of this 
church could not be, in anywise, complete, 
if it failed to include some notice of its 
vigorous Sunday School, which has had 
life within it which has helped itself, and 
other good things around it. 

The Sunday School can be traced back 
to the year 1828. The names of those who 
have been Superintendents of it, so far as 
they can be collected, are: Joel White, 
George F. DeForest, Andrew DeForest, 
Sharon Y. Beach, W. M. Tuttle, P. B. Buck- 
ingham, George E. Lester, Robert C. Bell, 
Theoodore S. Ladd, Andrew Y. Beach and 
James Swan. The present number of names 
on its roll is 222. 

But it has what is better than mere 
members — vitality — vigor. The weekly 
teachers' meeting is a very live meeting; I 
never saw anybody asleep in that meeting ; 
and teachers awake cannot easily help 
having a school awake. Both the school 
and the teachers' meeting breathe a little 
heavily just now, as we are suffering this 
excessive heat, but it is exhaustion only, 
not sleep. In the revival of last winter 
almost all who came to Christ came from 
and through our Sunday School. 

The Superintendent„is now an officer of 
the church, elected annually by ballot. 
This plan was adopted about four years 
ago, (May 2S, 1872.) Up to that time no 
minute appears on the records of the 



18 



chnrcb of the uames of the officers of the 
Sunday School. Now they are put ou 
tlistiuct record every year. 

There is oue fiict belougiug to the origin 
of the church in its later form, which I 
have picked out of tlie old record with a 
good deal of interest. In less than two 
mouths after the church was oi-gauized, 
and when its first deacons were chosen, (at 
a meeting held May 9, 1817, j a Librarian 
for the Village Church Library was ap- 
pointed. A committee of three also re- 
ceived appointment as a "Committee of 
Selection;" their duty evidently understood 
to be to select books for this library. Now 
to select books for a library involves money, 
furnished by somebody ; and that three 
men were needed on this committee seems 
to indicate that there was something im- 
portant for them to do. Now to do any- 
thing important in the way of selecting 
books, involves and implies a good deal, 
and more then than now. 

I suppose this could not have been a 
Sunday school library ; if it was, the Sun- 
day school originated h. good deal earlier 
than the date which I have given. The 
library is called a church library. In 
either case the book power was recognized 
by the young church, and it was deter- 
mined to' make use of it. What a marvel- 
ous power has it become since that time ! 

This church has raised up, for service in 
the great field of christian labor, one min- 
ister and one missionary. The°minister is 
the Rev. Ira Smith; and the missionary is 
the Rev. H. A. DeForest [class of 1832, 
Yale,] who went to Syria, returned with 
the seeds of fatal disease in his system, and 
so ended his work ou earth. I am glad to 
find that a missionary to that old land has 
had any connection with us. I am not quite 
certain what the connection was. I take 
the fact, as I have stated it, on trust, not 
having had opportunity to verify it. I have 
searched the old records for his name but 
have not, thus far, succeeded in finding iti 
I shall trace out the matter as fully as . 
can. It is certainly a benefit to us to have 
such a point of contact with the great mis- 
sionary enterprise. To follow a missionary 
of the cross, who is a personal acquaintance, 
with praj'or, and interest, and faith, is in- 
vigorating to the heart which does it, and 
is honorable to God, whose service the 
work is. 

The Rev. Robert C. Bell, now the efficient 
pastor of the Congregational Church in 
Darien, in this state, was, for a time, 
before his entrance upon his ministry, a 
member of this church, and comes here to 
the family home. His name belongs to our 
history. 
I designed to say more about the revivals 



which have occurred within the church, 
noticing not only its larger ingatherings, 
but also its other harvests, it ought to be 
characterised by them to be true to its ori- 
gin, for the church in its later form was 
born in a revival. In the record left by 
the council of five, of the work which they 
performed on that 12th of March, 1817, 
they say: — "The meeting proceeded to 
consider this application, and the state of 
this village, espctially the increase of godly 
people in the prwcnl rcriral of religion, and 
are of the opinion that a compliance with 
the above request may conduce to the pros- 
perity of Ziou." 

I desired also to, at least, mention some 
of the lessons to be gathered from the facts 
which 1 have presented to you. But I will 
not. Yon are weary, and you can do this 
work for yourselves. I will only express 
the wish, which I find so distinctly in my 
heart that I cannot deny it some utterance, 
that this church of the Lord Jesus Christ 
may be ever true to the Master, earnest in 
the doing of His work, and receive of His 
blessing till it shall overflow. It has a Past. 
May it have a Future ! 



The following is a literal copy of an old 
MS., fixing the date of the formation of the 
first ecclesiastical society in Seymour : 

Derby, November 3d, A.D. 1789. 

This may sertify all whom it may con- 
cern, that the subscribers have joined and 
paid towards the support of the Gospel at 
the Congregational Society, in Derby, near 
Bladen Brook, and mean for the future to 
support the Gospel there : 

Capt. Timothy Baldwin. 

Asahel Johnson. 

Gideon Johnson. 

Capt. Bradford Steel. 

Elisha Steel. 

Isaac Baldwin. 

Ebr. Turel Whitmore. 

Auios Hine. 

Bradford Steel, Jr. 

Medad Keney. 

Hezekiah Wodin. 

John Adye. 

Ashbel Loveland. 

Truman Loveland. 

Ebenezer Warner. Joseph Loines. 

Leveret Pritchard. Moses Clark. 

Levi Tomlinson. Philo Hinmau. 

John Coe. Thomas Hotchkis. 

libenezer Beacher Johnson. 

Nathan Wheler. 

Bezalel Peck. 

Frances Forque. 

Sertifyed by me. Levi Tomlinson, 

Society Clerk. 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 



19 



Great Hill. 

The following paitk'ulars arc froiii a book in the 
possession of Mr. Samuel P. Davis of Great Hill, 
consisting of the records of the 8th District of the 
Town of Derby, afterward the first district of the 
town of Seymour, from 171)6 to 1810. 

June 26, 1767, Henry Tonilinson elected district 
committee, Samuel J5asit, collector. 

Dec. 8, 176<), at house of H. Tomlinson, B. 
Tomlinson, moderator. Voted to hire a Master 
for the winter and that what overplus there 
might be should be used. to pay a Mistress in the 
summer. 

From the Record of the meeting held Dec. 12, 
1770, at the schoolhousc. at 5 p. m., it appears that 
it was not tlie custom to hire the teacher for the 
winter until December. The meetings were us- 
ually held in the afternoon. 

Jan. J 3, Jonathan Miles, moderator. A mo- 
tion was made to divide (leaf incomplete,) evidently 
the school. The meeting adj. to Monday in March 
at 4 P. M., at which adjourned meeting an adjourn- 
ment was again made to ^lar. "Jl^rd, when it was 
voted "that those persons tluit send tlieir children 
to Henry Wooster's school shall have tlieir propor- 
tion of the school money according to their list." 

At the meeting held Nov. 2, 1772, Benjamin 
Tomlinson, moderator, no action is recorded, ex- 
cept to instruct the committee to hire a teacher for 
the winter at his discretion. 

The next meeting recorded was held Dec. ye 
14th, 1774. Micah Pool was chosen "one of the 
committee," and Samuel Kussell, clerk. 

It was voted that warnings of the nest meeting 
be posted at the hou.-es of Joseph Cantiehl, George 
Beard and Capt, John Luiii six days before the 
meeting. 

Nov. 13, 1775, B. Tomlinson. moderator; Chris- 
topher Smith chosen one of the committee. 

Probably owing to the troublous times at the be- 
ginning of the revolution, no meetnig seems to have 
been held in 1776, but Nov. 27, 1777, B. Tomlinson 
was again moilerator, an adjournment was taken 
from the schoolhouse to the house of Geo. Bard, 
Dec. 1 1, but no business transactions recorded. 

Sep. 2, 1778, voted to hire a schoolmaster 3 mo. 
"and to pay the master pr. the j)oll of the scholer 
after the publick nmney is gone." 

June 12, 17SU; Mica Pool, moderator; adj. to 
June 19th and voted to hire a mistress at six shil- 
lings pr. (torn off — probably ireek) "and to pay 
schoolmistress pr. the pool of the schollers " 

Oct. 10, 1780, at the house of James Manvil; 
Mica Pool, moilerator; Henry Tomlinson appoint- 
ed collector. 

Feb. 15, 1781; Joseph Tomlinson, moderator; 
voted to hire a master until Apr. 1, and pay by 
"poll of the scholars." Dan Tomlinson voted 

NoV. U, 1781, Philo Holbrook voted clerk. The 
next record is Nov. 23, 1784, when peace again 
prevailed, and the school, which very likely had 
been suspended by the necessities of the war for 
indepcnilence, was again awarded the attention it 
deserved, by those lovers of home, church, school, 
and free government. The meeting was held at 
the house of Geo. Bard; Zachariah Fairchild, 
moderator. It was "voted to build a schoolhouse 
on the highway near Mr. John Hawley's." Build- 
ing committee, Ebenezer Lues, Webb Tomlinson, 



Hawkins. Jonathan Luni, Jr..and 



Pool. "Voted Mr. George Bard, Mr. Jonathan 
Lum, Jr., Mr. Husil Tomlinson, Connnitte." 

Nov. 28, 1785; Webb Toinlin.son, moderator; 
voted a rate of six pence on the pound be collect- 
ed on the li.st of 1784 to fini.<h the schoolhouse, 
John Hawley, collector. N'otcd that the warnings 
for meetings be put up at the schoolhousc and (Jeo. 
Bard's shop. Voted Sam'l Kussell be one of the 
committee in place of Johnathan Lum, Jr. 

Mar. 20, 1786; at house of John Hawley; 
Henry Tomlinson, moderator ; John Hawley voted 
"commiityman in room of Joseph Hawkins, also 
Kussell Tomliiii-on, Sam'l Russell and James Man- 
ville Committee." 
Nov. 22, 1787, Josi.ah Nettleton, moderator. 
Dec. 26. 1788, Christopher Smith, moderator, 
rate laid of 3d. on the £, list of 1788, Webb Tom- 
linson, collector. Samuel Russell, Russel Tomlin- 
son and James Manville, committee. 
The next record is copied verbatim. 

"October the 25, A. D. 1790. 
"At a lawful meeting lawfully warned and attend- 
ed, voted Mr. Samuel Kussel Moderator. 2nd 
voted Jlr. Henrv Tomlinson a school Committee 
in the room of Mr. Samuel Russel. 3d voted Jlr. 
Abel Holbrook clerk for this eighth School district, 
it fourthly voted that the committee should hire a 
school niaster for this school according to their 
discretion for the ensuing year and pay the Mas- 
ter by the pool of the scholar.'' 

Mar. 21, 1794, voted Nathaniel Holbrook, Rus- 
sel Tomlinson and Jonathan Lum, committee. 

Nov. 9, 17'J.5, voted Enos G. Nettleton, clerk ; 
K. Tomlinson. J. Lum. Jr., and James Bassett, 
committee. 

Nov. 6, 1796, J. Lum, Nathan Mansfield and N. 
Holbrook. committee : Enos G. Nettleton. clerk . 
Nov. 27, 1797, voted E. G. Nettleton, J. Lum 
and N. Holbrook, committee; voted to hire a 
master four months "by the poll of the scholar." 

Nov. 6, 1798; Amos Bassett, moderator ; Abram 
English, clerk ; voted that the eighth district be 
divided into two districts. 

Oct 11, 1799, J. Lum, moderator: Abram 
English, clerk; J. Lum, N. Holbrook aud Eph- 
raim Wooster. committee ; voted to hire a master 
five months. 

Dec. 3, ISOO ; Elcazer Lewis, moderator ; Davi I 
Tomlinson, clerk; A. English, Moses Fenton. and 
Richard Holbrook, committee; Nathanael Hol- 
brook, collector. 

Dec. 23, 1800 ; voted Reuben Lum and Wilson 
Hurd committee in addition to above ; and to hire 
another master and to "divide the money accord- 
ing to the poll of the scholars belonging to the first 
district." 

Mar. 14, 1801. Voted to hire a teacher twelve 
months, the school to be kept in the meetinghouse 
as long as the weather will permit, then to be con- 
tinued in the schoolhouse. 

Nov. 5, 1801. Jonathan Lum, Jr., Moses 
Fenton and Isaac Bassett, committee ; David 
Tomlinson, clerk. 

From the record of the meeting held Nov. 12, 
1802, it appears that "the public money of the 
Great Hill School Society" shall be applied to 
such schools as the committee think proper, and 
a provision made that those who were unable to 
pay the schooling of their children should not be 
assessed therefor, thereby manifesting their behef 



20 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY, 



that it was for the public jjood that the education 
of the chil(h-en of the poor s-houkl be provided for. 

Apr. 25th, 180.3, voted that a rate of six luills on 
the dollar be laid to repair the schoolhouse. 

Oct. IStli. 1803, David Toinlinsoii, collector; 
J. Luiu, Eicliard Holbrook and James Bassett, 
committee. Voted to hire a teacher for five 
months. 

"At a legal meetitig of the first School District 
in Great Hill School Society, hidden at the school- 
bouse in sd District. Monday, the 18th of March, 
180.5. First, voted Mr. Abner Tibhils, moderator ; 
2ud, voted David Toinlinson, clerk ; 3rd, voted Mr. 
Johuathan Lum, Benjamin English and Wilson 
Hurd a school committee for the first district ; "Ith, 
voted Mr. Benjamin Enelish a collector of Miss 



Rebecca French's bill ; 5th, voted Ephraim Woos- 
ter collector for the year ensuing." 

Nov. <lth, 1805, J. Lum , moderator ; David Tom- 
linsoii, clerk; J. Lum, A. English and Wilson 
Kurd, committee. Doct. Lum to see to the school- 
house. 

Nov. 19th, ISOf) ; same clerk and moderator 
elected ; Richard Holbrook and Abm. English, 
committee. 

Nov. 30th, 1810; John Smith, moderator; D. 
Tomlinson, clerk; adj. to W. A. Gillett's ; Jared 
Mansfield and John Smith, committee; Capt. J. 
Nettleton. collector. "Voted that wood pr. load 
should be 84 cts. and boarding teacher 7 cts. per 
meal or 87^c. per week." 





21 



Earliest Mention of Paairussett. 



.There appears to liiive been a trading port for 
Jfew Haven Colony, at Derby at a very early day. 
In New York Colonial Documents, 1st Vol., p. 
284, (Holland Docnnients,) — • 'Remonstrance of 
New Netheriand, and the occurrences there" ad- 
dressed to the States' Cleueral by the people 
of New Netheriand, '^Sth July, 1649, speaks 
first of Stanifort, from which place a man can 
reach the North River and return home on a 
summer's day, according to the knowledge ac- 
quired of the Indian.paths. Again, "The English of 
New Haven have a trading port situate to the 
East or South-East of Magdalen Island, at no 
greater distance than six leagues from the North 
River, for that island lies on the East side of the 
North River, '2'ik leagues above Port Amsterdam, 
and the trading port is established with no other 
design than to attract or wholly to destroy the 
entire trade of the North River where it now 
passes down entirely free. They moreover made 
repeated efforts eight or nine years ago to pur- 
chase a large tract of land from the Indians, as we 
understood from the latter; this would have been 
rather with a view to attract the trade than any- 
thing else, for it was situate on the East side, not 
more than three or four leagues from the Colonic 
of Renselaerswyck." 

Doctor O'Callaglian's note says: "Magdalen 
Island is opposite the town of Red Hook, Dutch- 
ess County. The trading port was on the site of 
the present town of Springfield, Mass." There 
is no authority for making this port Springfield, 
which was not established by New Haven. 

Paugusset, at the junction of the Housatonic 
and Naugatuck. was a capital place to tap the 
Dutch trade. The Indians liked to follow rivers, 
and the Housatonic reaches near the Hudson. 
Paugusset is nearer the locality indicated by the 
Dutch paper. But that Paugusset was the place 
appears from the Remonstrance of the Dutch to 
New Haven, {.^rd Aug., 164(i, New Haven Col. 
Doc, Vol. 1, p. '^t)5,) and the reply of New 
Haven, speaks of the house they had built at Pau- 
gusset. The course there taken leaves no doubt 
that the plan complained of was not Springfield, 
but Paugusset. The "protest from the Dutch 
Governor was read in court and an answer to tlie 
same sent and directions given to those that keep 
the trading liowse. And it was fully and satisfye- 
ingly voted that the court would niak good their 
title here and at the trading howse and leave tlie 
issue of things to God whatever they niay bee." 

The first mention of Paugusset of New Haven 
is 71st N. H. Col. Rec, p. 74, 4lh, :5rd month, 
IM'2. "Two of bro Wakeman's men is excused 
fro watching for the present because of their 
iinployuit att Pawgassetf." 

XVinthrop's Journal, Savages' edition. Vol. 2. 
p. :i-i8, year 164H, "The merchants of New Haven 
liad purchased some land of the Indians, * 

* * to the North-West of them, upon 
Pautucket River, and had set up a trading house. 
The Dutch Governor made a protest against it 



and sent it to Mr. Eaton, claiming the place to be 
theirs and within ten Dutch miles of Fort Orange. 
Mr. Eaton answered the protest acknowledging no 
right in the Dutch, but alleging their purchase 
and offering to refer the cause. The Dutch 
Governor by letter complained of it and the Gov- 
ernor of Massachusetts. The Governor of Massa- 
chussets informed Mr. Eaton hereof (the Com- 
missioners being then to meet at New Haven) and 
tendered it to tlieir consideration if it would not 
be expedient to call Mr. Whiting, (then a magis- 
trate at Hartford) to give account of these 
speeches, seeing the Dutch would expect satis- 
faction. Mr. Savages' note says: "Though the 
name is very plainly written, we can hardly doubt 
that Winthrop was mistaken. I presume the 
word was Peguusset or Pegusset; Indian geogra- 
phy is exceedingly indefinite. Probal»ly the place 
was the same soon after called Derby, where the 
Naugatuck unites with the Housatonic. No 
doubt some points of resemblance caused the 
naming of the Connecticut plantation, and that of 
our neighboring town of Watertown, (Mass.) 
where the Indian title was Peguusset." 

Another evidence that the place referred to was 
Paugussett, is found in the Derby Records, in the 
sale of land by Thos. Wheler of "Pagasset" to 
Alexander Bryan of Milford, of land "bounded 
with Potatuck River southwest, Nagatuck River 
northeast, & hounded on the northwest with trees 
marked by Towtaeraoe, sachem, containing forty 
acres, more or less." Here, surely, the Potatuck 
can be no other than the Housatonic. 

It appears by the N. Y. Col. Doc. and map 
therein, that the river ''Mauritius" mentioned in 
the N. H. Col. Doc. was the Hudson as therein 
surmised. The valleys of the Housatonic must 
have been better places for Indians to dwell in 
than the lower Hudson with its steep banks, very 
narrow valleys and high lands. The Dutch map 
of 161(5, (N. Y. Col. Doc.) looks as if the valleys 
between the Hudson and Connecticut were more 
thickly inhabited than the Hudson itself. The 
Indians of the Naugatuck and Housatonic are 
there called ''Makiinancs." 

The Dutch mile is stated in Murray's guide to 
Holland to be Sjigs English miles. The name 
Pautucket used in Winthrop reminds one of 
"Poktatuck," a branch or village of the Paugus- 
sets, in the neighborhood of Newtown. Southbury 
and Woodbury. The Paugussets, DeForest says, 
had a fortress not far above the union of the 
Housatonic and Naugatuck. 

In May, 1716, Serjt. Joseph Hawkins of Derby, 
was by the General Assembly granted "the 
liberty to keep a ferry over Stratforil River, 
where the said Hawkins house now stands by the 
said river, at the same fare with the ferry at Strat- 
ford ; and so often as he shall have occasion at the 
said place to carry or ferry over the mouth of the 
Naugatuck River, he shall have the same allow- 
ance as aforesaid : and "hen to cross both, eight 
pence for man and horse." 



HISTOKICAL SKETCH OF SEYMOUE. 

BY DR. J. KKXDAI.L. 

To-day these hillsides and valleys are 
doited with pleasant houses; to-day ^\e 
have the bnsy tread of men and the cheer- 
fnl hum of machinerj^; to-day these hill- 
sides and villages are threaded by roads 
and tlieso streams are spanned with bridges. 
Two hundred years ago the dusky savage 
might have been seen stealthily making his 
way among these hills, or crouching near 
some path made by wild beasts seeking to 
slake tiieir thirst at some of these numerous 
streams. Or the curling smoke might 
have been seen from an Indian wig\v;im 
floating among the tree tops from some 
sh.^ded glen. Two hundred years ago, and 
this valley was almost an impassable tangle 
of tree, shrub, vine and driftwood ; these 
hills were covered with forests that never 
lieard tlie souml of woodmen's axe. Picture 
to yourself this scene of two liundred years 
ago, and you can hardly imagine a more 
foibiddnig spectacle. 

Not much later than this two men might 
have been seen coming from below towards 
this place so wild and primeval. They 
each carried a gun, and very likely there 
was slung under the arm of each a powder- 
horn marked with various devices signifi- 
eant of their occupation, ami a sheath knife 
in the belt of each. They wc^re clothed to 
suit the times and their condition. They 
were hunters, well acfpiaiuted with the use 
of the weapons they carried. Tliey 
might have been drawn here by anotlier 
man of a darker hue, but of similar pursuit. 
The three were skillful in the pursuit of 
game with which these forests abounded — 
deer, bears, wolves and wild turkeys were 
l)leuty here, and the men knew where 
these animals made their liaunts. This 
last man, as well as the two llrst, knew how 
to beguile an hour around a camj)-fire, aiul 
if he could not speak English lluently, 
if he chiise he could talk tuiki^y. 

These three were quiet men, and not 
given to boisterous talk — their habits of 
watching and waiting, listening for the 
sound of a foot-fall, the rustling of a leaf or 



the breaking of a twig, had schooled them 
into habits of careful, quiet carriage, and 
the music of tiie forest had more charm for 
them than voices of men. When they 
met their meeting would not be demon- 
strative, but their conversation woultl be 
in low tones, for the three were men of th^ 
woods, always on the alert to catch the 
sound of game. The name of one of these 
was Johnson, and he was one of the colony 
that came from New Ilaven to settle tlie 
town of Derby. They had petitioned to 
have this grant given them, but the town 
of Milford remonstrated, and the HighComt 
atiNcw Haven gave Milford the jurisdic- 
tion, as her cliarter covered this territory. 
He was tlie lirst white man that settled in 
what was then called Clinse's Town, after- 
wards Hnmphieysviile, and now Seymour. 
Di^rby was afterward nnide a town, and Sey- 
mour was incorporated into a town in 18.^0. 
Johnson built his cabin on land m)w owned 
by Carlos French, formerly owned by 
Beecher, then Gary, and last by the late 
Clark .Johnson. It was situated about forty 
or fifty rods north of Carlos French's farm 
house. 

The other's name was Wash band. IT(^, 
also, was one of this colony from New 
Haven, and is supposed to l)e the [uogcn- 
itor of the Washltand family that lias 
always be<>.n connected with this locality, 
and is supposed to have settled in Oxford, 
which then was a part of Milford, near 
where Staples Washband now lives. 

The last went by tiie name of Chioie from 
his manner of pronouncing the word choose, 
which was a favorite word with him. His 
Indian name was Mau-we-hu. His fatlier 
was a chief of the tribe of Pequots. When 
Derby was first settled the whites persuad- 
ed him to move down into their neighbor- 
hood, but he tired of this and came back to 
Chnsetown and established his quarters s 
again on what is ca!le-d the Falls. After- 
wards the whites that had settled near 
where Dr. Thomas Stoddard now lives per- 
suaded him to make his residence up then% 
l)nt ho soon went back and established 
himself on the bluff n< ar Avhere is the 
house in which Thaddeus Fowler now lives 



23 



He bccaino a convert to cliristiiiiiity 
and was connocted witli the chiuvdi at 
Derby, under the pastoral care of the Rev. 
Daniel Ilnniphreys. lie made an effort to 
educate some of his childr(Mi, and especi- 
ally his oldest vSon. He sent him to school 
s^t New Haven, and he appeared to do well 
for a time, but h ■ ran his fatluir into diibt, 
as many a white boy has learned to do 
since, and Chnse had to bring him home, 
and history says he soliloquised thus — "Jo, 
I wished to nuike a man of you, but I lind 
after all tiiis outlay, you are notiiinj;- Ijut a 
<;reat drunken Indian." Chuse, himself, in 
tlu! latter part is life, loved the firewater, 
and was met by his pastor when 
under tiie inliuiuice of strong drink, and it 
is said the parson stoi)i)ed his horse and 
said, "Chuse!" Chuse immediat(^ly raised 
his hand and saiil, " Parson Humi)iirey3, 
not a word, I am trying to wiilk the new 
stylo" — the time had just been changed 
from old to new style. The; p;irson nudged 
Ids horse and pixslied along, leaving Chuse 
to pvactice his new step. Tlu^ wiiites grew 
thick around him, and he moved u[) to Kent 
with his family, and witiiiu the last forty 
years there lias been seen, almost every 
year till recently, several old Indian men 
aiul women sitting on tlu; rocks on the west 
side of tlie falls, looking where once stood 
the wigwam of the Indian, Ijut now covered 
with the manufactories of the white man. 

Tinu; progresseil, and the natural facili- 
ties began to attract attention, and these 
streams with their rough and rugged beds 
olTered inducements to men of enterprise. 
A man by the name of Daniel Stiles, who 
lived up near the corner where Dr. Thomas 
Stoddard lives, came in possession of this 
property on the falls, and threw a log- 
dam across the chasm where we now have 
a solid rock dam, and put up an iron 
snu'lting work or forge, and carted his ore 
JVoui Salisbury. Last spring, in tligging 
for a new wheel-pit {hey found the old 
slag and many of the tools in use in that 
day, relics of work which took place over one 
huiulred years ago. It did not prove a suc- 
cess, and J!r;tdford Steel put up a saw mill 
and sawed the logs that the farmers haul- 



ed up to 1808, when Gen. David Humphreys, 
a son of the Rev. Daniel Humphreys, who 
entered the War of the Revolution as cap- 
tain, was made chief of stalf to General 
Putnam and remained with him for two 
years, when he attracted the attention of 
General Washington, and was transferred 
to his staff, made his private secretary and 
remained in his fauuly till after the clOso 
of the war — was sent minist(jr to Spain and 
Portugal, was the first to import nu-rino 
sheep — bought the property on the falls 
and commenced operation for the manu- 
facture of broadcloth. lb; iirocured a. 
charter from the legislature in 181(J, and 
was the lirst manufacturer of broadcloths 
in the United States, and Tliomas Jefferson, 
when inaugnratied president, was clad in 
garments the cloth of which was made in 
S(\ymonr. He continued his manufactoiy 
till death, which transpired in 1818. He 
carried his habits with him into his iifter 
life. His mill was run liy wliat was then 
known as apprentices, which lu; gatliercd 
from all parts of the country. They were 
oflicered and drilhid in military tactics and 
when he had visitors from abroad they 
were marched out of the mill and m.ad<s to 
pass in review, and to escort him and his 
visitors to the farm, where high carnival 
was held for the gratification of his friends * 
and the boys. These were eutopian days 
for mill boys; many a hard dcdlar passeil 
the extended palm for some small favor 
done by the boys to the manufacturer of 
broadcloth. 

Four years after the death of General 
Humphrey, in 1822, this mill, with the pro- 
perty pertaining to it, passed into the 
hands of John W. DcForest, Lewis Wain 
& Jeremiah Fisher Learning, and was by 
them conv(!rted into a manufacitory of cot- 
ton cloth, and was so occupied within the 
memory of many now present. 

For many years after the siittlement o^ 
this place intercourse was maintained be- 
tween this and Derby Avhat in new coun- 
tries are called bridle-paths, and the settlers 
were obliged, when they went to Derljy to 
chuich, to go on foot or ride on horsebacdv. 
I'or a numlicr of ve;irs tliev Imried their 



24 



cleail at Derby and transported tbeui by 
strapping a borse between each end of two 
long poles and phxciiig the corpse on the 
pole between the horses. 

The lirst manufacturer of augurs iu this 
section of country was Walter French, the 
manufacture of which has ever since been 
the staple business of the place. To name 
all who have been engaged iu this business 
would take more time and space than this 
paper will permit. 

The inhabitantsof Seymour have thus far 
been a working community, and have not 
grown very rich. There has been an 
equality sustained between the well-to-do 
and those who have required that the storm 
should be tempered to their shorn condition 
that no manufacturing village in this val- 
ley can boast of. Our neighbors-in-law 
have been in the habit of placing us among 
the hards and roughs; they may be right, 
but if they are we take the credit of making 
greater advancement iu morals thau they, 



for we have less drunkenuess and less 
rowdyism than they, our streets are safe 
for ladies or men to pass by day or night. 
No town in this valley has done so little 
according to its populatiou to colonize our 
states prison or reformatory schools as 
Seymour. We have not doue our whole 
duty in providing the needful appliances 
for the education of our children, neither 
have we gone to the other extreme, aud 
put up palatial edifices and burdened the 
tax-payers; but to-day our scholars areas 
well educated iu all rudimental branches 
as our neighbors. Our churches are the 
best and our pastors excel all clergj^men — 
and our ladies are the handsomest we ever 
saw and as to their ability to minister to 
our inner comforts, just look and see these 
fields of delicate things ready to be de- 
voured, and finally we have a goodly heri- 
tage, let us one aud all preserve it, for it is 
ours, and not anothers to keep. 



25 



TIIINITY CHURCH. 



At the itMiiu.'i^t ol"ni(!C)[)l)il().s Miles, Jona- 
than Miles anil Boujauiin Davis, a vvanant 
was issued by Levi Tonilinson, a Justice of 
tlie Peace for New Haven County, directed 
to IJenjaniin Davis, an indiffereut person, 
requesting him to give notice to all tlie 
inhabitants ])rofessing the religion of the 
Protestant Episcopal Church, residing with- 
in certain prescribed limits, to meet at the 
house of Dr. Samuel Sanford, on the '2(Jtli 
day of Feb., 1797 ; then and there to form 
an Episcopal Ecclesiastical Society. 

The warrant was dated Feb. l'2th, 1797, 
and was served ou thirty-nine persons, viz: 
Reuben Lnni, James Manville, Nathan 
Mansfield, William Tucker, Benjamin Haw- 
ley, Russell Toniliusou, Martin Beebe, Enos 
G. Nettleton, Ephraim Wooster, Nathaniel 
Holbrook, Jeremiah Gillette, Josiah Net- 
tleton, Philo Holbrook, Edward Hayes, 
Nathan Stiles, Wilson Hurd, William 
Church, Abel Churcii, John Griffin, Daniel 
Davis, Bowers Washband, Alexander .John- 
son, Timothy .Johnson, Joseph Johnson, 
Charles French, Israel Bostwick, Moses 
Riggs and John White. The persons met 
at the time and place named in the warn- 
ing, (the house now owned by Mr. Henry 
Wheeler), when Benjamin Davis was ap- 
pointed moderator, Samuel Sanford clerk, 
and Joel Chatfield, Israel French and 
Jonathan Miles Society's Committee. As 
there had been a union of the Parish of 
Great Hill with the Episcopalians of the 
new Parish it was concluded to call the 
new organization Union Church. 

Beyond the organization of the Society no 
other business appears to have been trans- 
acted at this time, and the meeting adjouri 



23rd, 1797. The connnittee to wliom was 
intrusted the provision of funds and ma- 
terials for a church building immediately 
commen(!ed their labors, and if their ener- 
gy be jiulged by their success tiny are 
entitled to the award of industry and per- 
severance. Early in the spring the corner 
stone w-as laid by the Rev. Edward lilakes- 
lee, then an assistant to Rev. Dr. Manstield 
of Derby; during the summer the build- 
ing was raised and before winter entirely 
enclosed. After the building had been in- 
closed the committee found tin; funds at 
their disposal exhausted, and not willing 
to involve the Society in debt, conclmled 
to suspend their work, and the finishing of 
the building was reserved for a later day. 
Seats were however provided, benches 
made of slabs. To accomi)lish this much 
grciit sacrifices were made ; for their nnm- 
ber was not only small and limited in their 
wordly means, but they also had to con- 
tend against what was termed the "estab 
iished order," viz: against the Presbyterian 
influence which had at that time complete 
power in the state, and which regarded 
every such eflbrt as a direct attack up'>n 
itself. 

Of this Church Dr. Richard Mansfield 
was the first pastor, and for his support 
the Society voted to pay him -.kl. on the £ on 
the grand list of 1797. He was at this 
time Rector of the Church in Derby. This 
connection between the 2 Parishes does not 
appear to have been harmonious ; for early 
in the year 18(J0, a committee was appoint- 
ed to devise some means for uniting Derby 
and this Society under one pastoral charge. 
How long Dr. Mansfiehl continued in the 
Rectorship of the Parish can not be cor- 
rectly ascertained; but probably not longer 
than 1802; for in th.at year a committee 



ed to meet at the same place at the end of p^'^is .appointed to employ a clergyman for 



the week, Feb. 27th. At this meeting they 
began in earnest to lay the foumlation of 
a house for the Lord ; and Benjamin Davis, 
Edward Hayes, Nathaniel Johnson and 
John White were appointed a committee 
to furnish materials for the building of the 
Church. The land upon which the Church 
stands was purchased of Leverett Pritch- 
ai'd, and cost $&■) ; the deed is dated March 



one quart<!r of his time. But as he had 
been settled for life, this Society assisted 
in suj)porting Dr. Mansfield after his pas- 
toral connection had terminated, and con- 
tinued to do so for eighteen yeans, until 
the time of his death in the year 1820. 
Jonathan Miles was appointed the first 
delegate to the Convention of this Diocese. 
He was a member of the LJth annual con- 
vention, held in the vear 1798. 



26 



lu the year 1802 the Union Bank was 
estaljlished, out of which a fund was to be 
raised for the support of the ministry. Of 
this bank Abijah Hull was treasurer. The 
amount of subscriptions was about $2,000, 
by fifty-seven persons. This bank during 
its existauce proved a bone of contention, 
and in 1811 action was taken for its diso- 
lution, and subsequently the notes and 
money which constituted the bank were 
returned to the original proprietors, they 
paying interest on the same up to the year 
1H08. After the resignation of Dr. Mans- 
field in 1802, the church remained for a 
year unsupplied. In 1803 a committee 
was appointed to confer with committees 
from Oxford and Derby, in relation to em- 
ploying a clergyman with power to agree 
with Derby and Oxford for one year, or to 
make proposals to the other committees, or 
either of them, to confer with a clergyman 
for a settlement and get his proposals, and 
report the same to a subsequent meeting. 
The clergyman about whom they were to 
confer was Rev. Samuel Griswold. These 
conferences were unsuccessful. 

The next year they succeeded in settling 
the Rev. Solomon Blakeslee ; and yet he 
only remained three months, when the ser- 
vices of the Rev. Calvin White was secured 
for six months, at the end of which time 
he removed. In 1805 the Rev. Ammi Rodg- 
ers was engaged for one-third of his time 
for three months. At the expiration of 
three months the engagement was renewed 
and a resolution expressing the satisfaction 
of the Society with his services was adopt- 
ed. This resolution was probably of his 
own proposal, and designed to varnish a 
character deeply stained with guilt. The 
Society subsequently became convinced of 
the charges made against him and he was 
dismissed. How long he continued in the 
Rectorship is not certainly known, but 
probably not more than one year ; for in 
1807 the services of the Rev. Ambrose Todd 
were secured for one-third of his time for 
one year. Who succeeded Rev. Mr. Todd 
the records do not show ; but the Rev. Mr. 
Blakeslee was again Rector in 1810, in 
which he continued nearly three years. 

In 1812 an effort was made to unite this 
church and Oxford under one pastoral 



charge but it failed. In 1813 the Rev. 
James Thompson became Rector, but he 
only remained one year. In 1814 the Rev. 
Mr. White was again employed. Like Mr. 
Thompson his connection with the Parish 
was of short duration, and the following 
year, 1815, we find the Rev. Chauncy Prin- 
dle. Rector. In 1813 the Parish paid an 
assessment of $60 towards establishing a 
fund for the support of the Bishop. 

At a meeting of the Parish, Jan. 29, 1816 
measures were taken to complete the 
church, which had up to this time remained 
in an unfinished state. Abraham English, 
Josiah Nettleton, Theophilos Miles, Nathan- 
iel Johnson and Josiah Swift were appoint 
ed a committee to obtain subscriptions to- 
wards this object ; and in March of the 
same year they were authorized to expend 
the money thus raised. The amount sub- 
scribed was $1250, contributed by sixty- 
three persons. The Church when finished 
was consecrated Sept. 2nd, 1817, by the 
Right Rev. John Henry Hobert, D. D., 
Bishop of the Diocese of New York. After 
the cousecration of the Church the Rev. 
Mr. Thompson again became the Rector 
and continued in that connection until 
1819, when the Rev. Aaron Humphreys 
was elected. 

In 1818 we find for the first time some- 
thing of the condition of the Parish, so far 
as its strength was concerned, viz : number 
of communicants, 45; number of families, 
63 ; number of persons, 279 ; grand levy, 
$7,420.95. In 1819 the Parish was drawn 
into a law suit by its first Rector, the Rev. 
Dr. Mansfield. The Parish became remiss 
in paying its portion for his support, and 
to quicken its energies this suit was 
brought. The Dr. gained his cause and 
the Parish was compelled to pay up all 
arrearages. The death of the Dr., April 
Uth, 1820, aged 96 years, relieved the Par- 
ish from this onerous charge. In 1821 a 
new roof was placed on the church at a 
cost of $60. In 1822 the slips were first 
rented at public sale, the proceeds of the 
sale amounting to $146.40. Up to this 
time the salary had been raised by a tax 
on the grand list. In the evening of the 
Ist of June of this year, 1822, the steeple 



27 



of the church was struck by lif^htning ; to 
repair the injury $182.88 was raised and 
1182.84 expended. In 1822 the Rev. Stephen 
Jewett became Rector of the Parish, and 
the followin}; year made this report : num- 
ber of communicants, 50 ; Baptisms, 2 ; 
marriages, 4; funerals, 5; families, .55. 
Mr. Jewett continued in the Rectorship 
eleven years; and during his ministry 
there were baptised 127 infants and eight 
adults; 51 marriages were solemnized and 
88 persons were buried. In 1827 the Sun- 
day School was started, and "the Society's 
committee were appointed to superintend 
and regulate its affairs and procure such 
books as were required." 

In the next year the bell was procured 
at a cost of $256.19. It was first used 
Aug. 12th, 1828, to toll the death of a son 
of Mr. John S. Moshier. In the summer of 
the same year a sum was raised by sub- 
scriptions for the purpose of painting the 
church and fencing the burying ground, 
amounting to $251, all of which was done 
at an expense of $247. In the same year 
Mr. Isaac Kiuiify presented the Parish 
with a stove. Before this time the churhc 
had not been warmed. The first organ 
was placed in the church about the year 
1831. It was built by Mr. Whiting of New 
Haven, and in 1830 was enlarged and im- 
proved by Mr. .Jurdine of New York, at an 
expense of $505. 

After the resignation of the Rev. Mr. 
Jewett in 1833, the Rev. Charles W. Brad- 
ley became Rector of the Parish and re- 
mained in that connection one year, when 
he was succeeded by the Rev. John D. Smith 
at Easter, 1834. Mr. Smith continued in 
the Rectorship eleven years. In the first 
five years he officiated in this church every 
Sunday ; the next two years he divided his 
services equally between this church and 
St. Peter's, Oxford. In 1841 this arrange- 
ment was discontinued, and Mr. Smith 
again confined hie labors to this Parish. 
In 1841 the church underwent a complete 
repair at an expense of $150. The wood 
work in the interior was grained and the 
pulpit lowered al)out three feet; it would 
have added much more to the convenience 
of the hearers as well as the speaker, if it 



had been cut down five feet more ; but the 
small reduction in height was looked 
upon as a great inovation by some of the 
older members of the Parish. 

At Easter in 184.5, Rev. Mr. Smith re- 
signed the Rectorship of the Parish, and 
the Rev. John Purvis became the Rector. 
He remained two years and during his 
ministry he baptised six adnlts and twen- 
ty-six children, married three couple and 
attended sixteen funerals. At this time 
there were about one hundred connnuni- 
cants connected with the Parish. In the 
summer of 1845 the church was painted on 
the outside at the cost of $120, which was 
defrayed by the ladies' sewing society. 
The next spring the ladies furnished thti 
church with carpets, lamps and curtains 
for the windows. After the resignation of 
the Rev. Mr. Purvis the Rev. Abel Nichols 
officiated as a supply one year, until Easter, 
1848. At the annual meeting in 1847 a re- 
port was made of the indebtedness of the 
Parish, which was $285.46. At the same 
time the committee were "instructed to 
procure from the grand list of the town the 
amount the several members of the Parish 
stand in said list and report the same to 
the next meeting." This action was taken 
with a view of taxing the members of the 
Parish sufficient to pay its indebtedness. 
Whether the prospect of a tax or dissatis- 
faction with the management of the aftairs 
of the Parish or whether some other cause 
operated, is not recorded, but the records 
show that about this time a number of rht- 
members withdrew from its connection and 
left the burden which they had helped to 
create to be liquidated by the more faith- 
ful, though not more able, frieruls of the 
church. The report of the committee was 
not made as directed, and the debt was 
not paid. From Easter, 1848, until Sep- 
tember of that year the church remained 
vacant, when the Rev. William F. Walker 
assumed the charge of the Parish. He 
was instituted into the Rectorship (the first 
and last institution in the Parish) Nov. 
22nd, 1848, and continued in charge until 
January, 1851, wnen he removed to New 
York. He was subsequently tried by an 
ecclesiastical court and found guilty of 



28 



immoralities for which he was de- 
graded from the ministry, by Right Rev. 
}{islu>p Waruwright, at the Geneuil Con- 
vention of 1853. When he removed he 
took with him the Parish register, which 
has not yet, and probably never will be re- 
tnrned, as the last heard of it, it was be- 
ing nsed for a scrap book. The loss of the 
register deprives the Parish of much valua- 
ble information in regard to the number of 
communicatits, baptisms, marriages and 
deaths in the Parish for a long term of 
years. After his degradation from the minis- 
try Walker lived a tragical life and died 
from the effect of an overdose of medicine 
prescribed for the relief of a nervous atfec- 
tion. in the early part of the present year. 

At the Easter of 1851 the Rev. Charles 
G. Acly became Rector and remained two 
years. Fot' several years previous to this 
a debt had been constantly increasing until 
it amounted to |850 at the Easter of 1853, 
which Mr. Acly succeeded in canceling be- 
fore he left the Parish. The ladies' society 
contributed $170. of the amount paid. The 
Parish was now entirely free from debt. 
In June, 1853, the Rev. O. Evans Shannon 
became Rector of the Parish. At a meet- 
ing at Easter, 1856, the name of the Parish 
was changed from Union to Trinity. At 
this time the church needed considerable 
repairs ; the timbers in the steeple were 
much decayed and it was considered un- 
safe by those who carefully examined it 
and the roof leaked badly and the enlarge- 
ment and repair of the church began to be 
seriously talked about, and at Easter, 1857, 
a committee was appointed consisting of 
Thomas W. Holbrook, B. W. Smith and 
Sheldon Church, to see what could be done 
in regard to repairs, and to report at an 
adjourned meeting. Their report was 
made in the following June, that about 
$2100. had been subscribed to defray the 
expense of the contemplated repairs, and 
it was resolved to begin the work. The 
plans of the alterations had been previous- 
ly made by Mr. Austin of New Haven. A 
building committee was ai>pointed, con- 
sisting of B. W. Smith, S. D. Russell and 
Sheldon Church, the two former anly acted. 

At the meeting which resolved to begin 



the work but four legal voters were pres- 
ent, viz : Harpiu Riggs, 8. D. Russell and 
Thomas W. Holbrook, \'estrymen, and V>. 
\V. Smith, Parish Clerk, three of whidi 
was in favor of the enterprise and one op- 
posed it; but after the decision was made 
all acted in perfect harmony throughout. 
The last service was held in the old chunli 
on the 5th of July, 1857. The total cost of 
the work amounted to $6,000.03. The ex- 
pense of furnishing the church with car- 
pets, cushions, &c., and completing the 
steeple above the bell deck was defrayed 
by the ladies of the Parish, and amouiiti^d 
to over $800. 

The church was consecrated by Right 
Rev. Bishop Williams, cm the llth of May, 
1858. The building was almost entirely 
new, with the exception of the frame. The 
number of slips were increased from forty- 
two to seventy, and in doing the work a 
debt of $3000. was contracted. To com- 
plete the church was no easy task with the 
limited amount of money at the disposal 
of the committee, and how the funds were 
furnished is known only to those who had 
tho matter in charge. The collection of 
subscriptions or the loaning of money was 
made almost impossible by the tinancia) 
crisis which conrmenced early in Septem- 
ber after the work was begun, aud created 
financial ruin throughout the country. 
The committee received but little aid or 
encouragem(^nt from men connected with 
the Parish beyond its oflicers, aud they 
certainly received nor expected any from 
any other source ; but on the contrary they 
were ridiculed in every possible manner, 
and it was prophesied that the undertaking 
would prove as disastrous as the "South Sea 
Bubble," that the church would never be 
completed, or if it was it never would be 
paid for. The workmen were advised to 
get their pay as they did their work or 
they never would get it; (but to their 
credit they heeded not the advice.) The 
lumber merchant was told more than once 
that he never would get pay for the lumber 
furnished for the building, aud a leading 
merchant in the village refused to furnish 
the committee with ten poundii of nails, on 
the credit of the Parish. Acting under 



29 



tlii'sc ciiciimstatices it is presumed that it 
would be ill! iifiectation for the conmiittee 
to say that they were not considerably em- 
baiasst'd ; and yet, whi-n tlie cliiircli was 
ri-(»})cued every bill of ex]teuae for the re- 
pairs had been paid with the exception of 
§;!(). for paintin<> and about tin; sanieaniount 
<luc to one of the Joiners. In ISM the debt 
eoiitracted in rcbuildiuj^ the ehurch was 
reduced to less than four hundred dollars. 

It has be(;n saiil that the eoniiuittee re- 
<reived but litti«i eneouiagmient from the 
men connected with the I'arish, but tlut 
same <;an not be said of the ladies, for they 
rendered most valuable aid, not only by 
the Sr^OO. which they contributed, but by 
the cheerful encouragcmeut which was on 
t-\ciy proper occasion bestowed. It will 
be doin<5 no injustice to other ladies to 
mention in tliis connection the name of 
Mrs. M. P. Shannon, the wife of the Rector. 

Re%-. Mr. Shannon resigned the charj^e of 
the Parish the first of .Tune, 18^6. Duiiny 
his ministry here there were 185 baptisms 
performed, 10.5 persons were confirmed at 
nine visits of the Bisliop ; 166 were buried 
and 202 were joined in holy matrimony. 
On the 18th of May, 18(54, the steejtle of 
the church w-as again struck by lightning, 
l)ut the damage doue was but a few dollars. 
On the 1st of April, 1866, the Parish bought 
a house of Mrs. Lucy M. Bi^ach for a Rect- 
ory, at a cost of $2,501). From the resigna- 
tion of the Rev. Mr. Shannon to January, 
1867, the Rectorship remained vacant. 
Regular services however were maintained 
by temporary supply. lu the month of 
.July, 1866, the church was painted on the 
outside at an expense of |i90..5;}, of which 
sum $267.7:? was paid by the ladies of the 
Parish. | 

The Rev. Geoige Seabiiry entered upon i 
the Rectorship of the Parish on the second 
Sunday in January, 1867. In the fall ofl 
the year 1867 the church was closed for 
tsvo mouths; when the interior wood work 
was grained and the walls colored, at the] 
cost of $800: over .$600 of which was paid [ 
by the ladies of the Parish. The church | 
was re-opened on the last Sunday in Octo- 
ber. Before the re-opening of th;- church 
an Altar had be(Mi placed in the c!ian(!elat 



the cost of $117.04, which was paid by the 
la«lies of the P.irish ; and soon after a 
cre<lence. was i>laced at the left of the 
Altar at the cost of $1.'>.40. the gift of a 
female member of the Parish. At (.'hrist- 
mas of this year a- prayer desk aiul lect- 
uiii was placed in the chancel at the 
cost of $70.50, \\ hi<di was raised by sul>- 
scriptions, and s(»on after pray«n' books for 
the .Mtar and praiter desk at the cost of 
$29. In December, 1870, a cal)iiu't organ 
w.is i>urcliased for the Sunday School at 
the cost of $i;>0, raised by subscriptions. 
lu the summer i>f 1871 a new stone font 
was placed in the church. The cost of the 
same was $177.18 and raised by the ladies 
of the Parish, the proceeds of a festival. 

lu 1872 hangings for the pulpit and lect- 
uni were provided for by subscriptions at 
the cost of $2(!.5l'. In March, 187o, the 
Rectory property purchased in 18(')6 for 
$2500, was sold for the same sum and the 
proceeds used to litpiidate the debt iiuMiiTed 
througli tlie original purchase. About the 
same tiilie subscriptions to the amount of 
about $1000. were secured to caucel the 
floating debt of the Parish, (including the 
balance, $400, of the debt incurred in 1857 
for rebuilding the church), this substanti- 
ally freeing the Parish from debt. 

The Rev. George Seabury resigned the 
Ri^ctorship of the Parish on the 21st of 
AjSril, 1875, after an incumbaucy of over 
eight years. During his Rectorship l:'>2 
persons were baptised, 74 persons re(;eived 
the Rite of Ci)nfirmation, 16i) persons were 
admitted to the Holy C'lnmunion, 46 mar- 
riages were solemnized, and the bodies 
of 128 were committed to the ground, 
"Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to 
dust." 

The j)resent statistics of the Parish are 
nearly as follows: families, 1:55; baptised 
members of the church, 410; conunun 
cants, 157. The loss of the Parish register 
in 1851 renders it impossible to state the 
statistics of the Parish with correctness 
previous to that time. On the 27th, day of 
June, 1375, the steeph> of the churcii 
was the third time struck l)y lightning ; 
the damage done amounted to .ibout $.50. 

Of the sixty-three persons who contribti- 



30 



ted to defray the expense of finishing the 
church in 1816, not one is now living. Mr, 
Isaac Kinney who died recently at the age 
of eighty-five was the last survivor. Of 
the slip holders in 1840, only two are slip 
holders at the present time, viz : Dr. S. C 
Johnson and B. W. Smith, and only five ot 
the whole nnmber are now living. The 
subscription lists containing the names of 
the contributors and the amount contribu- 
ted by each for church purposes, have in 
almost every instance been carefully pre- 
served, and if now published, would proba- 
bly prove more interesting to the public 
than to the living subscribers. Daring the 
first twenty-five years from the organiza- 
tion of the Parish eight clergymen were 
employed for a specified length of time, 
and in the next fifty-three years, nine ; 
four of whom had charge of the Parish 
over forty-three years. Ou the 25th of 
September. 1875, the Re*. Edwin J. K 
Lessel became Rector of the Parish. 

B, W. S 



HISTORY OF THE 

EDiscopalCliiircliOfSeyiiionr. 

BY NAU-KO-TUNK. 

Beuajab Johnson was the tiist white man 
who settled iu thisi part of Derby. He was 
a uative of New Haven, and his father's 
house stood where the Exchange buikling 
now stands. Benajah came here iu 172G, 
and built his log house ou the east side of 
the road near the foot of the hill south of 
the David Carrington place. Soon after, 
Timothy, Ebenezer, and Joseph Johnson 
moved into this place. Beiiajah and Tim- 
othy married sisters — Sarah and Mary 
Brewster, daughters of Rev. Nathaniel 
Brewster, the first pastor of the Church iu 
Setanent, Long Island. Mr. B. was the 
b(m of Jonathan Brewster, who came over 
in the Mayflower with his father, Ehler 
Wni. B., to Plymouth Rock. Isaac John- 
son, the sou of Benajah, gave the laud 
where the M. E. Church edifice stands to 
his son, Isaac Johnson. 

The tirst meeting house was built in 1788, 
by individuals, most of whom were Con- 
gregatioualists, who were united as a 
society of Separatists. Their first pastor 
was Benjamin Beach, a minister from 
North Haven, who mo" ed here in 1790. 



Iu 1791, that pioneer of Methodism in 
New England, Jesse Lee, came through 
Derby, wbere, hiring a bell-man to ring 
the people out, he preached to them iu the 
shade of some trees, in what is now called 
Derby, up town. John Coe and Ruth, hisi 
wife, heard him, and invited him on his 
next visit to preach iu their house, which 
iu a few wee.ks lie did. Prom that time 
Derl)y was included in Mr. Lee's circuit, 
which combined nearly all the territory 
of what is now New Haveu and Bridge- 
port districts. 

In 1792 the plan of the work was so 
changed as to make Middletown the head 
of the circuit, which embraced Middlesex 
and a large part of New Haveu couuties. 

Derliy was uo exception to the rising 
spirit of persecution of that sect, which 
was everywhere spoken against. From the 
pulpit and in private the llocks were faith- 
fully warned against the disturbers of the 
peace of the parish. But Lee, Allyu aud 
Garretson, like brave men of God, continued 
to broadcast the seeds of truth. John and 
Ruth Coe were the first fruits of their 
laV)ors in Derby, and were admitted to the 
little society in Oxford. Soou these con- 
verts ottered their two infant sous iu bap- 
tism at the hands of Jesse Lee. John Allyu 
was the name given to Mr. Coe's sou, aud 
Jesse Lee was the name of Mr. Hiuman's 
sou. John A. Coe grew to manhood, settled 
iu what is now Beacon Falls, a solid uiau, 
a member of the M. E. Church, aud was 
universally respected. Two of his graud- 
sous are now residents of that towu. 

At the conference of 1793, held at Tol- 
land, it was reported that John Allyu had 
laid down his trump t aud gone to his re- 
ward. This year, the tirst society in Derby 
was formed, aud John Coe was leader. 
Josiiua Taylor aud Benjaniiu Fisher were 
appointed preachers ou the circuit. At the 
close of the conference, the venerable Bishop 
Ashbury, as in ill health he passed through 
Connecticut, visited the little vine iu 
Derby. B. Fisher died m Newburgh, July 
5, 18.34, aged 86. 

The first M. E. Society in this part of the 
town, then called Chuse Towu, was formed 
iu Feb. 1797. Names of members : Jesse 
Johnson, Isaac Baldwin, Esther Baldwin, 
Sarah Baldwin, Ernice Baldwin, and Dan- 
iel Rowe, of Derby, was leader. Soou after 
the following names were added : George 
Chuk, Lucy Hitchcock, Silas Johnson and 
Olive Johnson. 

In the i)revious five years the Methodist 
preachers had passed through the place 
aud preached as they found open doors : 
Once or more iu Mrs. Daytou's barroom, 
now William Stubbs' house; also iu the 
house of Mr. Stiles, now the residence of 



31 



Dr. Stoddard. Some years later they 
l)reacbed iu the ballroom of the Moul- 
throup tavern ou the corner opposite the 
Clinton place. 

For a long time the society remained 
very small. It encountered a great amount 
of prejudice and some persecutions. At 
The house of Isaac Baldwin, -which stood on 
the tiat near Beecher's auj;ur factory, the 
persecutors went up on a ladder and stop- 
ped the top of the chimney in time of 
preaching, so that the smoke drove tlie 
peoi)le out of the house. They often threw 
squills of powder into the tire in time of 
worship, to the great annoyance of the peo- 
ple. But God had ordained his arrows 
against the jiei'secutors. A curse followe<l 
almo.-t all those young men, and they were 
cut down in the prime of life. Freeborn 
Garretson held the tirst quarterly meeting 
in this place in the old meeting house in 
l5U3. Moses Osborn, a local ])reacher re- 
siding in Southbury, a man of God and ap- 
proved of men, by his faithful labors iu 
Derby and vicinity during four or fi\e 
years, prepared the way for that revival in 
lr09, Avhen seventy persons were converted 
in the Neck school house. Most of these 
joined the Congregational Church, but 
several families joined the M. E. Church, 
and added to its influence in the town. 
For several years the work went on, now 
in Stratford, then at Humphreysville, and 
then at Nyuniphs, and in other places. Iu 
l^lo Middletown circuit was divided, and 
Stratford was made the head of this new 
circuit, and Ebenezer Washburn and James 
Coleman were the preachers. Stratfoi'd, 
Milford, Derby, Humphreysville, Nyumphs, 
Great Hill, Quaker's Farms, Georges Hill, 
Bridgewater, Brookfield, >sewtown. East- 
village, Stepney and Trumbull, were in- 
cluded in this" circuit. In l-il4 Xatlian 
Bangs was presiding elder ou the New 
Haven District, and Elijah Woolsey and 
Pleury Ames were the preachers ou this 
circuit. This year, preaching was divided 
half a day at Humphreysville, half a day at 
Nyumphs, and once a fortnight at Derby 
Iseck. It was a revival year at the Neck 
and on Great Hill. The two brothers, 
Samuel and David Durand, and their wives, 
v.-ere added to the little church iu the red 
school house. Samuel was a good singer. 
In Ir^lS E. Hibbard and B. English were 
the preachers on this circuit. But Mr. 
English soon located at Humphreysville 
and went into business. This year Walter 
French, a resident of Humphreysville, re- 
ceived license to exhort, aud afterwards a 
license to preach, and was very useful here 
and in other parts of the circuit. He bad 
a good memory, a ready utterance and 
often spoke with great power, and success. 



He died iu 1~65, aged over eighty years. 

In l>;'l-i the meeting house and land ad- 
joining was conveyed by a quit claim deed 
from the Congregational to the Metliodist 
Soiieiy. The deed was signed l)y Bradford 
Steele, Sarah Steele, Ira Smith, Phebe 
Stiles, Wuj. Kenney, and Philena Baldwin, 
aud was given to Stiles Johnson, Bezalel 
I'eck, Thos. Gilyard, Robert Lees, ami 
Timothy Hichcock, trustees of the Metho- 
dist Sorioty. Jesse and Stiles Johnson, sons 
of Isaac Johnson, who died in lL;i:i, with 
their wives and niauy of their relations 
had joined the Methodist society. Jesse 
Johnson was afterwards a local preacher, 
and a close student of the Bible, but <Iied 
after losing his reason. These brothers are 
buried iu the Methodist cemetery. The 
first extensive revival here, commenced at 
a watch meeting in the old meeting house, 
on New Year's eve of I'-'lH. I think it wa» 
in 1^1^ that the old meeting house was- 
made a two story building, but no paint 
was used inside or outside. 

Sometime before this, perhaps in ISIG^ 
Nathan Bangs came to preach in the Bell 
School house. He put up with Stiles John- 
son, opposite Mr. Gilyard's place. After 
some cautions from careful Brother Stiles- 
against doctrinal preaching, the elder went 
down in the evening and preached a free 
salvation to a crowded house, giving Cal- 
viuisim its portion in due season, as was 
the custom, and such was the power of iu- 
flueuce on the congregation, that when 
the preacher, iu closing, iuquired who will 
have this salvation ? Let those who will 
seek it arise ; — tlie whole congregation 
arose. ! What a host ! exclaimed the 
preacher. 

The legislature of this state authorized 
the division of its shave of the surplus war 
tax of 181"2 among the religious denomina- 
tions of the state ; bat the Methodists re- 
fused their portion of the money. At a 
quarterly conference, held at East Village, 
January 9th, 181S, Rev. 0. Sykes was ap- 
pointed to communicate with the trustees 
of the state on the subject. But no person 
had been authorised to receive rejected 
funds. The afflicted brother returned, still 
burdened with unwelcome charity. At the 
quarterly conference of August iu the same 
year, held at Humphreysville, Aaron Pierce 
and two others were appointed a com- 
mittee to write to the treasurer of the State, 
aud if he could not receive back the Metho- 
dist portion of the money, to draw up a 
petition in behalf of this circuit, to the 
general assembly for liberty to return their 
proportion of said money. Liberty was 
granted and the funds returned the state. 
The rising church, though struggling with 
crushing diiSculties, would not sacrifice 



32 



her honest iudepeudeuce of the state. The 
fathers were fully committed to the Tolun- 
tary principle for the support of the Gos- 
pel. 

The qnarterlj- meetings of those times 
•were largely attended, and exceedingly in- 
teresting, the people going from all parts 
■of the circuit on Saturday. In the after- 
■noon they heard a sermon, after which came 
tlie quarterly conference, composed of all 
the stewards, class leaders, exho; ters and 
preachers on the circuit. Bangs, Ostrauder, 
Merwin and Clarke were in succession pre- 
siding elders, and ou the Sabbath they 
drew large congregations, most of whom 
expected to hear a strong doctrinal sermon. 
At one of those meetings ou Great Hill, in 
1820, Rev. E. Washburn, presiding elder, 
fifteen persons were converted in one after- 
noon. 

P^rom 18*20 to 1827, the membership on 
the circuit was much increased as the fruit 
•of revival in different places. D. Miller, 
J. Colman, Laban Clark, E. Baruet, J. 
Nixon, E. Deunison, W. F. Pease, I. Fields, 
S. D. Ferguson, and V. Buck were the 
preachers successively. 

In 1828 this part of the circuit was sep- 
arated and called Humphreysville and 
Hamden. 

In 1831 Daniel Smith was appointed to 
the circuit, and was assisted by VVm. Bates, 
•a local preacher residing in Humphreysville. 
In that year a camp meeting was held, in a 
woods West of where now the Catholic 
Church of Birmingham stands, and contin- 
ued eight days. On the Sabl)ath ten thou- 
sand people were supposed to be present, 
and the fruit of the meeting was about one 
hundred converts. The writer of this was 
present during the whole of that wonder- 
ful meeting, and has been acquainted with 
some of those converts who grew to be pil- 
lars in the church. This year the churches 
iu South Britain and Middlebury were 
built, and the foundation of one at Water- 
bury laid, and the building of a parsonage 
iu Humphreysville commeucecl. Three 
hundred dollars worth of books were sold 
ou the circuit, a large amount of missionary 
money rai.sed, and the preachers salaries 
paid m full. Samuel R. Hickox, a local 
preacher from Southbury, had moved into 
Humphreysville in 1828, and had charge of 
the giist mill ou the falls, keeping board- 
ers from the cotton mill. He was a 
good preacher and was a great help to the 
church iu this place. In 1829 Thomas Ellis, 
a Welshman and a spinner iu the cotton 
mill, was converted and joined the church 
here, of which his wife was already a 
member. He had been a wild young man 
and a great song-singer. It was said that 
he could sing all night without repeating 



a song. But in two years after couversion 
he had forgotten them all. He was an 
important addition to the church ou ac- 
count of his musical talent. 

In Ai)ril, 1832, Sylvester Smith, a local 
preacher from Hotchkisstowu, where he 
was first licensed in March, 1830, moved 
into this village. Daniel Smith was con- 
tinued ou the circuit, and Robert Travis 
was preacher iu charge. The parsonage 
was not quite ready for Mr. T., but in a 
few days after his arrival iu town he moved 
into it. It was built by the two brothers 
Lane, from Monroe. At this time the 
church was an ecclesiastical society under 
the statute aud known as the Methodist 
society of Humphreysville. 

In 1833 Thomas Bainbridge and Chester 
W. Turner were the preachers ou the cir- 
cuit — Mr. B. occupyiug the parsonage. 
Turner was a single man, who afterwards 
married the sister of Rev. T. D. Smith, of 
the Ei)iscopai Church. Bainbridge was a 
good preacher and a sweet singer. The 
next year we had Humphrey Humphries and 
Johu Crawford for our preachers, Mr. H. 
moving into the parsonage. Josiah Brown 
had charge of the circuit the next two 
years. In the middle of 1836 he moved out 
of the parsonage into a house in Derby 
Neck, where he remained until he died not 
long snce. On the first of October Sylves- 
ter Smith moved into the jjarsouage aud 
occupied it four years at au annual rent of 
fifty dollars. The nest two years David 
Miller was preacher in charge, residing at 
Great Hill, and closing his term of service 
in May, 1839. In these past few years 
Owen Sykes was an assistant preacher aud 
continued for several years. He was an 
excellent man, with some peculiarities. 
Thomas Ellis received license to preach iu 
1833, and did good service ou the circuit 
uutil 1838, when he joiued the conference 
and became a successful itinerant. In May, 
1873, he had a triumphant death, aged sixty- 
eight. S. Smith w as also a helper ou the 
circuit. In 1840 aud 1841 Thomas Sparks 
was our preacher, residing at South Britain. 

Ou Saturday, March 19, 1842, a meeting 
commenced at Southford. Presiding Elder 
Carpenter being absent, S. Smith preached. 
Sunday morning was very pleasant, aud 
after love feast, it was found impossible 
for more than half the people to get into the 
chapel. Sparks occupied the pulpit, aud 
Smith went below aud took his stand in 
the .school room and preached with half his 
congregation outdoors. It was a memor- 
able time. Ezra Jagger followed Sparks, 
residing at Great Hill. On his second year 
Moses Blydeu burgh was his colleague. 
These were prosperous years for the church 
at Humphreysville, after a period of deteu- 



33 



siou. Mr. Atwater, a stutlont iu Yale, was 
very useful here Id those years. Mr. Bly- 
(leuburgb continued one year after Mr. 
Jagger left, and lived on Great Hill. Mr. 
B. died in 184S, aged 31 years, leaving a 
wife and one child. This son is now a law- 
er in New Haven. The next two years G. 
L. Fuller had charge of the circuit, resid- 
ing on Great Hill. Three of his children 
were buried there. 

Since 1839 Birniinghani was a station 
separate from us, so it was with Water- 
bury. Middlebury and South Britain sus- 
tained a pastor ; so that only Huiu\)hreys- 
ville. Great Hill, Pleasant Vale, and Pine's 
Bridge remained in tlie Derby circuit. 

In the fall of ISW a subscription was 
opened for a new church editice, and S. 
Smith led with the sum of six hundred dol- 
lars. The burning of the paper mill of 
which he was half owner involving a heavy 
loss, did not abate his zeal ; but during the 
year he increased his sul»scription to eight 
hundred dollars. His firmness was over- 
ruled for good. One brother who did not 
at first set down his name gave one hun- 
dred dollars. Another man changed from 
twenty to one hundred dollars. A good 
woman changed from ten to eighty dollars. 

Charles Stearns moved into the parsonage 
iu May, 1847, and remained two years iu 
charge of this circuit. He found us com- 
mencing the new church. The old house 
was sold for one hundred dollars. Jared 
Basset, assisted by Isaac Bassett, built the 
stone work. He got the steps out of stones 
that he found in different fields around, 
and many wondered where Uucle Jared 
found such stones. 

On Saturday, June 19, 1847, the corner 
stoue was laid. Rev. E. W. Smith, of 
Birmingham, was the speaker. Sylvester 
Smith deposited the case under the stone 
after announcing its contents. C. Stearns 
and Mr. Curtiss of the Congregational 
Church took part in the services. Amos 
Hine, of Woodbridge, was the contractor 
for the building, except the stonework. 
Mr. Martin, an Irishman, was the painter. 
In November the bell, from Meneeby's 
foundry in Troy, was raised to its place. 
Its weight was eleven hundred and fifty 
pounds. In this year a board of trustees 
was appointed by the pastor in charge, and 
vacancies were afterwards filled by the 
" official board." 

The house was dedicated on Tuesday, 
January 18, 1844, by Bishop Jones, who 
preached from Ezra 6 : 16. In the evening 
he preached again. The collections amount- 
ed to S292.83. The whole cost of the house, 
bell, and furniture, was s5,800, and of this 
the Society owed $800. On the day of 
dedication the slips rented for $1380, and 



the average amount of annual rents iu the 
first ten years was about s.")5U. 

All of the elm trees near the church were 
obtained and set by Wm. E. Smith, under 
the direction of Sylvester, his father, with- 
in one year after the dedication. The first 
two in front nearest the house of Mr. 
Tucker were set on the day of the presi- 
dential election in 1848. He was killed iu 
the war, September 1st, 18G4. 

Iu May, 1849, Seneca Howlaud was in 
charge of what iu the next year was set off 
from Derby as the town of Seymour. He 
remained two years, and some a<lditious 
were made to the church. Twenty-three 
came forward as seekers at his first watch- 
meeting. David Osborii was pastor of Sey- 
mour and Ansonia one year, from April, 
1851, to April, 18.3'3, and it was a prosper- 
ous year in both places: over 100 conver- 
sions reported. Mr. Osborn confined his 
labors to Seymour the second year. His 
successor for two years was Rufus K. Rey- 
nolds, a solid and useful man. Wm. T. Hill 
came on after him, and confined his labors 
to this place and Great Hill. In his first 
year, which was his first appointment, Ave 
had 67 conversions and 50 additions to the 
church here. S. Smith baptized 15 adults 
at one time. 24 of the converts were from 
the Sunday school. Next Thcmias Stephen- 
son had two good years in the town, and 
some adilitious to the church. He was a 
good preacher. In 1859 L. P. Perry was 
the pastor and confined his la1)ors to this 
village, and was a faithful and useful min- 
ister. 

Albert Booth was the pastor in the hard 
year of 1801-'62. At the Conference of 
1862 George Lansing Taylor was api>ointed 
to Seymour. In his second year the Society 
raised §1,200 dollars towards paying off" the 
church debt. In the summer of 1864 his 
successor, A. B. Pulling, held one festival 
iu a car-shop on the fiat, and later in the 
season, another in Messrs. Day's new brick 
factory above the paper mill, and the avails 
of the two netted $800, and the church was 
out of debt! He remained until the spring of 
1866, when Sylvester Smith was appointed 
to the charge for one year, and the church 
edifice was painted outside. It being the 
centennial year of American Methodism, 
Mr. Smith preached eight sermons on the 
subject. Nineteen persons who had on the 
previous year joined on probation were re- 
ceived in full. Joseph Pulman was tlie next 
pastor, and was eminently successful, 
receiving 65 probationers at one time 
near the close of the first year. Ben- 
nett T. Abbott was the next pastor, aud ■ 
was successful in improving the finances 
of the church. Josepjj Smith had this field 
of labor the next three years, and proved 



34 



liimsclf an able minister of the New Testa- 
ment. In former years Mr. Smith, as a 
local preacher, resi<lin<>- in Waterbnry, harl 
(lone much jroocl service here in connection 
witli onr pastors. E. H. Frisbie and James 
Wiswel, local preachers in New Haven, 
also rendered mnch <^ood service. Sylves- 
ter Smith, dnriiii;- his forty years residence 
here was a most active laborer and liberal 
j;iver in the ehurcii, bnt four fires and 
otliCH' serious losses compelled him to retire 
from business. 

Lucy Johnson, who died March 9th, 1788, 
who was buried in the <:jrave-yard adjoiuint^ 
tiie church, was the first white pei'son. 

Nau-ko-tunk. 

Note. — In the above dates it should be remem- 
liured that in some of the earlier times the con- 
ference year was from May to May, in later years 
from A])!'!} to April. In the l^tli hrie of the article 
for David read Daniel; lltli line, for Setanent — 
Setauket ; ~()th line, for Isaac — Styles ; for 8tul)l)s- 

Hull. 

The MetSiodist Episcopal Church. 

BY W. C. S. 

1791, First Methodist Sermon in what 

is now Seymour, by llev. Jesse 
Lee, Presiding Elder. 

1792, Rev. John Allyn, Circuit Preacher. 
179:-}, llev. Benjamin Fisher, " 
17i)4, llev. Daniel Ostrander, " 
1795, llev. Evan Rogers, 

1790, llev. Joshua Taylor, 

1797, Rev. Michael Coate, 
Organization of the Society. 

1798, Rev. Augustus Jocelyn. 

1799, llev. Ebenezer Stevens. 

1800, Rev. James Coleman. 

1801, Rev. Freeborn (Tarrett^o^. 

1802, Rev. Abner Wood. 

1803, Rev. Nathan Emery. 
1801. Rev. Ebeuezer Washburn. 
1805, Rev. Lyman Andrus. 
180(1, Rev. Moses (3sborn. 

1807, llev. Reuben Harris. 

1808, Rev. Phinchiis Ilice. 

1809, Rev. N. W. Th.mias. 

1810, Rev. Oliver Sykes. 

1811, Rev. Zalmon Lyon. 

1812, Rev. Anron Hunt. 

1813, Rev. Eboiu'zer Washburn. 
18U, llev. Elijah Wuolsey. 
1815, Rev. Renoni English. 
1810, llev. Jesse Johnson. 



1831, Rev. 

1832, Rev. 

1833, Rev. 



1817, Rev. Nathan Emory. 50 members. 

1818, Rev. Arnold Scofichl. 
1819-20, Rev. David Miller. 

1821, Rev. James Coleman, 

1822, Rev. Eli Barnett. 

1823, Rev. Lnban Clarke. 

1824, Rev. Eli Dennison. 

1825, Revs. I. Fields and Sizer. 
1820, Rev. Samuel D. Fergu.sou. 

1827, Rev. Valentine Buck. 

1828. Re^. A. H. Sanford. 

1829, Rev. Reuben Harris. 

1830. Rev. John Lovejoy. 
Daniel Smith. 
Robert Travis. 
Chester Wui. Turner. 

1834, Rev. ILunphrey [lumphreys. 

1835. I Rev. Thomas Ellis. 
1830, ( Rev. Josiah Bowen. 

1837, i Rev. Oliver Sykes. 

1838, I Rev. David Miller. 

1839, llev. J. Bowen. 

1840, ) Rev. EliBarnet. 

1841, \ llev. Thomas Sparks. 

1842, I Rev. Ezra Jago-er. 

1843, j Rev. L. Atwat'er. 

1844, Rev. M. Blydenburgh. 
1845-0, Rev. (ieorge L. Fuller. 
1847-8, llev. Charles Stearns. 
1849-50. Rev. Seneca Howland. 
1851-2, llev. David Osborn. 
1853-4, llev. Ruius K. Reynolds. 
1855-0, Rev. William T. Hill. 
1857-8, llev. Thomas Stevenson. 
1859-00, Rev. L. P. Perry. 
1801, Rev. Albert Booth. 
1802-3, Rev. George L. Taylor. 
1804-5, Rev. Alonzo B. Pulling. 
1800, Rev. Sylvester Smith. 
1807-8. Rev. Jo^^ph Pullmnn. 
1809-70, Rev. Bennett T. Abbott. 
1871-2-3, Rev. Joseph Smitli. 

1874, Rev William R. Webster. 

1875, Rev. Edward H. Duteher. 
1870, Rev. Charles A. Tibbals 

Rev. Joseph Smith is the only pastor who 
jireached in the Seymour M. H. Church 
tlnee consr-cutive years, viz.: I.'^71-"i-|{, and 
wlien liis time expired by liinilalion, ac- 
eoi-dinj;- to discipline (no pastor beiiio' 
alloweil to remain in f)ne i)lace loii<;er tiian 
tliree years consecutively), ho was yeiier- 



35 



!illy holoved and (^.stccMiied 1)y the nio.mbors 
of tlio society foi- which lie had labored 
faithfully, eariiestly and impartially. 

RiiV. VVni. K. Webster ofliciated as pastor 
of the church from Ai)ril, '74, to April, '7.'), 
laboriui^ with much zeal wliei'eviT there 
S(;eme<l to be a prospect of doiiiif j^ood. 

In Apiil, bS7r>, Kev. E. II. D'.itcluu' was 
sent by the conference for the ensuing year. 
The dissen ;ions wlii(;h s(!emed at the tiuu! 
of his comin.i;- to be ended, rapidly riivived 
during his pastorate, and had a disastrous 
etleit upon the interests of the society. 

In the si)ring of the present year the an- 
nual meetings of the soeituy, lielil under the 
statutes of the state, wtsro broken ui) 
and a decision made by the pastor in 
charge anil sustained by tlu* rresiding 
Eider, that there was no such thing as the 
Mi^thodist society, after it had iieen known 
as such for si^venty-nine years (since Fei)., 
17".>7). As the property was deeded to the 
Methodist Sodviji, if that society no longer 
exists, it is a question which we leave for 
others to discuss — to whom doe« the pro- 
pei'ty now Ijelong '' 

In April of the pres(Mit year tho confer- 
ence a|>pointed Kev. Charles A. Tibbals, 
son of Kov. Nathan Tibialis, well known as 
a Methodist nuuister since 1H41, and now 
the bead of the tirm of N. Tihbals & Sons, 
j)uliiishers, of N(!w York. 

The published minutes of the New York 
East Conference show the following 
amounts credited to tins church for the 
<;onfen!uco years counnencing in April of 
181J7, |i()5.75 ; 18*38, $l()7.:i:5; 18(i9, $1)1.9.'); 
187(J, .1158.7;}; 1871, $l54-.^)0; 1872, ,|(38.'>2 ; 
187:?, $1)7.00, 1874, $1)1.00; 1875, $1:3.00. 
Lugrand Sharpc w.is a|ipointed chairnuiu 
of the ''uiissu)nary conunittee," or collector, 
in each of the al)ove years, but in the last 
K<;v. E. II. Diitcher took it out of his hands. 

Under the new statutes of the .State of 
Connecticut, the trustees were first elected 
by the adult nnile m(Mnl)ers of the church 
S(!pt. :?, 18(i(). The following is the list in 
the order recordcMl: A. VV. Lounslinry, 
Sheldon Miles, Willis Uinb»-,rtield, Jared 
Bassett, Smith I5otsford, Wilson E. Ilen- 
dryx, Sylvester Smith, W. N. Storrs, War- 
ren French. Since the last election of triis- 
U-vA the list has been Lugrand Sharpc, T. 
S. Ladd, A. W. Lounsbury, VVm. 15. .lohnson, 
W. C. Sharpe, J. K. Adaius, II. J5. Hecciier, 
Sheldon Miles, W. N. Storrs. 

The lot adjoining i\w chnrcli on tlie enst 
was purchased of Mr. Edwiu Smith in 1870, 
with the intention of building a jjarsonage 
tiiereon as soon as should seem practicable, 
Mr. Smith selling the lot at less than he 
considered it, Worth, to help tho church. 
Mrs. M. A. Sackelt canvassed the society 
for funds to pay for it, and by lier zealous 
perseverance succeeded in collecting the 



larger portion of tho amount. The balance 
was paid sul)se(|uently from funds received 
from the legacy of Mrs. Kirtland. At an 
official meeting, consisting of the stewards, 
elassleaders, trustees and supeiintendant, 
held at the parsonage, April 2()tli, 1875, tho 
pastor presiding, it was voted to offer the 
"Kirtland Place" and the parsonage for 
sale, preparatory to l)uilding a nmv par- 
sonage. An offer being received tiie board 
of trustees nu't and appointed Warre?i 
French an agent to sell tin; parsonage for 
$2,000, and W. C. Sharpe, Warren French 
and Lugrand Sliarpe were ai)pointed a 
building comndttee. Plans and estimates 
wore obtained, ami tho contract awarded 
to Thomas Sharpo for the ])arsoiuige, out- 
bnilding, well-curb ami fence on two sides 
tor f2,;i()0. The parsiuiage, with the hand- 
some shade trees around it, is said to i>e 
tho pleasaute.st in the Nangatuck valley. 

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. 

George Kirtland came to Seymour in 1825, 
and in 182G or 7 he started a Sun<lay school 
with live children of his own, the nuinl)er 
increasing the first year to 27. Ib^ tried to 
establish a library for the Sunday school, 
both himself and a Mr. Fisher coniiibuting 
books and money. He kept up the Sunday 
school 6 or 7 years, when it was discon- 
tinued for a time. 

The superintendents since tlui reorgan- 
ization of the school, so far as we Lavo 
li(!en able to learn, are: 

1841-2, Samuel Ilickox. 

184:5-8, Lugrand Sharp. 

1852, John Adams. 

185:5, Frederick Dnrand. 

1854, Wm. A. Ilnghes. 

185.5, Wm. Mallorv. 

18.5G-7, AUxut W. "Lounsbury. 

18.58, Wm. Mallory. 

1859, Warren French. 

18()0-1, W. N. Storrs. 

18(12-5, H. W. Benedict. In l^Hi, 777 vol- 
umes in the library, ju 18(5,5, 851 
volumes. 

1800-7, W. N. Storrs. 

1808, Sheldon Miles. 

1809, W. C. Sharpe. Average nttend- 
ance, 88. Missionary collections in 
tlrst (|uarter, $:59.:54. 

1^70, W.N. Storrs. Aveiage attendance 72. 

1871, W. N. Storrs. Average attendance, 
61. 3.58 volnm(!H in libraiy. 

1872, W. \V. Dibhle. Average attend- 
ance, (i:?. 

187:5, Samuel Butler. Average attend- 
ance, 81. :501 books in library. 

1874, C. N. Blanchard. 

1875. Samuel Butler. 

1870, E. N. 15otsford. 292 volumes in 
library. 



36 



Tlie Indians 



The Indians had nearly disappeared from tlieir nati-^e hills and vales. The 
merciless Mohawks from New York raided over this section, and the Connecti- 
cut Indians fled to their forts in terror. So that Litchfield county, Xew Haven 
county, and the western portion of Hartford county, became nearly depopula- 
ted. A clan of Indians known as the Potatucks resided in Woodbury or Pom- 
peraug, Southbury and ]S'ewtown. In 1742 the legislature gave this clan 
the schooling privileges in Waterbury that they possessed in Newtown. 
Ansantawae was sachem of the Milford Paugusetts, after whon. is named 
the encampment of Odd Fellows in Waterbury; and Weraumaug, sachem 
of the New Milford Indians, has his name preserved by one of the largest 
lakes in the state. Those who lived in this vicinity the last half of the "last 
century were a branch of the Pequot race. 

Joseph MauM'ee was the son of Gideon IMauwee, a Pequot Indian. 
Joseph was brought in his boyhood to Dei'by Neck to live with a Mr. Durand 
till he arrived at manhood, then was married to Sarah, of the Farmington In- 
dians and settled in the south part of Derby near Turkey Hill, but afterward 
removed to Naukotunk, now Seymour. Joseph lived at first near the Falls, 
afterwards in a frame house built for him on the site where Dr. Thomas Stod- 
dard now lives. He afterward moved back to the Falls, and then to Scaghticook, 
in Kent, where he died. He had eight children, two sons and six daughters. 
His oldest son, Joseph enlisted as a soldier and A\ent to Boston when hostili- 
ties commenced. After his term of service closed on his way home he was 
poisoned and died, prol«ably by the opposers of tlie war. Three of Joseph 
Mau-we-hu's children died in childhood. Elihu, his youngest son was an un- 
usually intelligent Indian. The tribe of which Chuse or Joseph ^lauwee was 
a member, claimed the laud as far north as Mattatuck or Waterbury. When 
the Indian census was taken by the colony a hundred years ago (in 1774,) there 
were four of Chuse's band in Waterbury, where the first settlers were not i)ar- 
ticular to higgle with the Indians concerning the ownership of the land but 
paid both the Farmington Tunxis and the Derby Paugusetts for it. They 
were paid in hard cash, too, and not with the baubles sometimes used to cheat 
the Indians of their lands. The first deed was dated 1(374, but the same land 
was bounded more definitely and again purchased in 1685, and the third time 
the Derby Indians were paid 25 shillings for "a small piece of land north of 
the Derby bounds, Avest of Naugatuck river and south of Toantick brook." 

"The day of the Indian is passed, and that of the railroad and telegraph 
has come; but we do not need to ride or walk far from our daily haunts to find 
a few mixed descendants of the first owners of the soil. Tliese^ are mainly 
offshoots from the Pequots. They have lived for a long time in a narrow 
valley where a small stream and a large one unite, a spot which they have 
named, as Mr. Lossing tells us, Pisli-gach-U-gock — "the meeting of the wa- 
ters." The name on white lips got corrupted to ScafjhticooJc, and the Indians 
became therefore, to all the neigjiborhood, the Scaghticook Indians. Dui'ing 
a former generation these wards of civilization used to frequent all our coun- 
try, peddling the painted baskets and small wares which they knew so well 
how to make, and gaining a livelyhood of as much thrift as they cared to enjoy. 

The last full blood Indian of this tribe, now reduced to a mere hand- 
ful, mixed with negro and white blood — was the locally famous Eunice Mau- 
wee. She lived, as her dwindling descendants now do, on a state reservation. 



SEYMOUR AXI) VICIXITV. 37 

anil died in 18r>!), aged about 104 years. Her fatlier Mas tlie lust chief wlio 
ruled, and she was consequently, of royal blood— a jn-incess, in fact, as she 
would have been in nauu', had tlie tribal condition of her people continued. 

Until within a few weeks of her death, she often talked witli freedom of 
the Indians and their habits. It was interesting to hear her pronunciation 
of the Indian words which have now become local property, and are attached 
to so many places. lu almost every instance the modern use of them is 
nuu'elv a reduction of larger and nu)re unmanageable ones — words which, 
as thev are now used, liaAC been shorn of a half or a third of their original 
svllabies. She was intelligent, and accustomed to talk, and remembered, 
of course many curious things. Shcuuide a striking statenuuit that she saw^, 
when a littU^ girl, an old Indian who had seen King Phillip. The Indian was 
tellinsr her fatlier of the personal traits and api)earance of this doughty hero, and 
narrating, ])erhaps, some of his unrecorded exploits; and she was a wrapt 
listener to the conversation. To see an Indian who had seen King Phillip 
was like putting your hand backw'ard upon the vessel which landed on Ply- 
muoth Eock. When one sits down to think the matter seriously over, it 
does not seem so long as it did since Columbus discovered America, or since 
William the Con([ueror set foot in England, or in tact, since anything ancient 
happened, Avhen a lew memories pasted together cover an arc of time." 



■ »-«CiA?!?&ii5 

Tlie Early !*$ettlei*s-«. 

Benajah Johnson and Timothy, his brother, who settled in what is now 
Beacon Falls, came from Derby, but were natives of New Haven. Their 
father lived in a house where the Exchange building stood in 1847, and had 
eight sons. The wives of Timothy and Benajah Johnson were gi'and daugh- 
ters of the Ilev. Nathaniel Brewster, (son of Johnathan Brewster, who 
came to Plymouth in the ]\Iaytlower,) of Setauket Village, Brookhaven, Long 
Island, and great gi-andaughters of Poger Ludlow, who was one of tlie tour 
principal uu'n who canu* over from England in KJ.'U) with Oov. John Win- 
tliro}), and who began to settle the town of Dorchester, Mass. Mr. Ludlow 
was soon nuide deputy governor of Massachusetts. In 1(536 he and and seven 
others were invested by 'Massachusetts with all the powers of the government of 
the new colony of Connecticut. He renuned to Windsor, where he lived 
till 1040, having been in the mean time appointed deputy governor of Con- 
necticut and to other high offices of trust. In 1()4() he and several others 
bought of the Indians Uncou, including the region now called Stratford, 
Bridgeport and I^airtield. The nanu; belonged particularly to Fairtield, where 
(lov. Ludlow and his associates lived, and which was fii'st discovered by Capt. 
Mason when ])ursuing the Pequot Indians westward after their memorable 
defeat in 1();]7. Thompson, in his history of Long Island, speaking of Mr. 
Brewster says: "He was a nepheM- of the Elder William Brewster of the May 
Flower. He was a graduate in the first class of Harvard College in 1642, 
Miiich consisted of nine young men. 

During the Commonwealth, (from 1050 to ICCO,) he was a minister in 
Norwalk, England, but on the restoration of monarchy, he returned to Amer- 
ica and was settled at Setauket, L. L, in 1«j(m. His three sons, John, 
Daniel, and Timothy had resided there several years before his arrival from 
England. His wife was Sarah, daughter of Poger Ludlow, one of the most 
eminent men of New Euiihuid. Mr. Ludlow was a member of the council 



38 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

and doputj governor of Mass. and Conn. He composed tlie first code of 
laws for tlie Connecticut colony, which was first published in 1(150. Mr. 
Ludlow's daughter Sarah, the wife of Mr. Brewster, was represented as a per- 
son eminently distinguished for her genius and lite . ary attaimnents. The three 
sons of Mr. Brewster were men of excellent character and highly useful dur- 
ing their lives. The wife of Benajah Johnson was first married to Joseph 
Hawkins of Derby, son of John Hawkins, Nov. 17th, 1720, when she was 
19 years old. He or his son Josepli, who was the ancestor of the Hawkinses of 
Derby, built the first house on Derby Point, where Biruiingham now is, and 
a store for the purpose of importing and selling ^Vest India goods. This 
house and store were torn down only a few years ago. 

At this time the Ilousatonic below Derby was navigable for vessels which 
could come up to where now is the rolling mill of the iron works. 
This Avas the location of the store. There was no made laud b.'low the cause- 
way, east of Birmingham. Where the two rivers nu't was a kind of trian- 
gular lake, dee]) and free from mud. Josepli Hankins died about the year 
172.5. He had a daughter Mary, born Sept. 5th, 1721, who nuirried Ebene- 
zer Judd of Waterbury, Nov. 1 7th, 1742, and was the motlu!)" of Brewster, 
p]noch, Ebenezer, Sarah, David, Benajah and Amos Judd, also a son Joseph, 
born April 30th, 1724, who carried on business in the ston^ mentioned above. 
The widow Sarah (Brewster) Hawkins and Benajah Johnson were married 
Oct. 10th, 1728, and th(\v soon occupied, as pioneers, the first house in Sey- 
mour, which was built at the foot of the tirst hill north of the house of Mr. 
Chatfield, opposite the present house of William (lilyard. She took her name 
from her grandnu)tlier, Sarah Lmllow. About 175i) he built the house which 
was recently torn down to make room for Chatfield's present house. They 
had two children, Isaac and Zeviali. Isaac was born in 1735 and died April 
10th, 1813, aged 78 years. Zeviah was born in 173',> and died May 2i)th, 
181(>, aged 77 years. Isaac married Lois Hopkins, daughter of John Hopkins, 
of Waterbury and first cousin of the celebrated divine, Dr. Samuel Hopki:is, 
who was the son of her uncle Timothy. The date of tlieir marriage was Jan- 
nary 21st, 1758, by Ilev. Mark Leavenworth, the pastor of the church in 
Waterbury. Lois his wife, was l)orn in 1738. and died Oct. 10 h, 1814, aged 
7() years. Zeviah the sister of Isaac was marrie 1 to Abiel Faircliild an 1 
their house was about three-fourths of a mile northwest of Pinesbritlge. Mr. 
Faircliild was an excellent man. One of his neighbors said of him that he 
was an "Israelite indeed, in whom there Avas no guile." 

Benajah Johnson died April 13rli, 1703, age 1 5:1, anl his remains were 
carried on a horse litter to the original burying ground of Derby. IBs widow, 
Sarah, died May 7rli, 1773, at the house of her daughter Mrs. Faircliild. 
H(u- remains were interred in a new burying ground which had been begun 
about five years previous to her death, — about 17r»8 — on a terrace above and 
west of the Nangatuck railroad, about a mile above the de]>ot in Seymour. 
This place of burial was abandoned before the year 1800, when the present 
Pinesbridge cemetery was chosen and given by Alexander Johnson, son of 
Timothy. This early burying ground of 1708 is now in the woods and over- 
grown Avith bushes and entirely nc^glected. The last burial in it was that of 
a mulatto by the name of Shubael, son of Pero, a i)ure blooded African. 
When it was proposed to bury the remains of Shuliael in the Pinesbridge 
ground, Mr. Alexander .Johnson forbid it and so they took them to the ground 
in the woods. The grave stones of Benajah Johnson and Sarah his wife 
were ])laced by their S(tn Isaac and are still standing. 



SEYiAIOIll AND VICINITY. 30 

TiiiH»tli.\ Jolnisoii and Al)i,i,fail I ircwstcr, sister of Sural i (Brewster) Hawkins 
were married Felt, lilst, 17:^5. Their lionse Avas a little way below Tines 
ltridiur<! at a crossinui^ place on the Nauuatiick, where his grandson Elijah died 
in 1.S47, aged 75. They had but one child, Alexander, who was born in 
1730, and died m Sept., 1 817, aged 87. Timothy and his wife were l)oth bur- 
ied in the old burying ground of Derby. When he first removed to this wild 
place he found a young Indian called Toby, who lived about half a mile north 
west of Pines bridge from which Tob> 's Rocks took their name. 

]\Ir. Johnson and his wife were very much annoyed by wild animals and 
snakes, especially by bears which came down from IJock IvininKin and de- 
stroyed their crojts. Affer a while they went back to Derby, when; they 
lived several years and then returned. Alexander fJohnson and Hannah, 
his wife had a large family, mostly sons. Timothy, (born .Ian. 21st, 17(!(); 
died Jan. 131 st, 18;i<;;) David, r]lijali, Nathaniel, ('harles and others. Then; 
was one daughter who married Moses Clark of Nyumphs. Her maiden 
naim; was Abigail Hrewster Johnson and some now living remember her as 
"aunt Nabby." 

The dead wen^ buried in Derby till about a hundred and ten years ago, 
when a few were buried in the burying grouml opposite Ilock Kinimon. 
The ])rincipal mode of carrying the dead to Derby was on ahorse litter which 
was extemporized as follows : Two horses with saddles were placcsd with 
their heads in the same direction, one forward of tin; other about seven or 
eight feet, and a loug stout linen bag turned or looped up at each end was jtut 
over each saddle to receive the ends of two long smooth and stnmg poles, one 
on e;!cli s'.di' of the horse* anl two or three croS'! piei'es wevv. put on the jtoles 
between the horses On this litt 'r the coffin was placed lengthwise and 
fastened to tlie cross pieces by c )rds. As the horses moved on the bearers 
walked on each side and st(!adie;l the coffin. The mourners and their neigh- 
bors followed on foot ami on horseback. The roads in those days were narrow 
and rough. When the distance; from the house to the burying ground was 
not nntre than two or three miles, the coffin, placed on a bier, w;is usually 
borne on the shoulders of bearers, four and four. The coffin was often made 
of whitewood boards and colored with lamp black, but the most costly were 
made of cherry. 

Cai)t. flames ^^'heeler of Derby, living in the section known as Turkey 
Hill, married Sarah IJiggs and had three daughters and seven sons, Samuel, 
Moses. John \V., David, ,Ianu's, Joseph, and Simeon, ('apt. Janu's Wheeler 
died in 17()8. Samuel built the first house in Nyumphs, the eastern part 
of the town of Bt^acon Fal s, and around him settled his brothers, IMoses David, 
and James. Simeon built on Iv'immon and had two sons, Nathan and Timothy, 
and a daughter who married Bradford Steele of Humphreysville. Samuel 
Whe(der was the father of Judge Abel Wheeler of Oxford, who built and 
lived in the house now occupjtied by S. P. Sanford. John W. Wheeler was 
the father of Mr. John Todd Wheeler, who recently died at a great age in 
Seymour, He was born at the house of his Uncle James W^heeler, which 
stood when; the aged Sheldon ('lark recently lived, north of the woolen factory. 
Sinu'on's larg<! two story house was where there is now a small house right 
o])lK)site the factory next north of the covered bridge. 

What is called Lopus was first settled by Zadoc Sanford and Hezekiah 
Clark, grandfather of Sheldon (^'lark, about the ye;ir 1700. He and his 
brother David lost their lives in the Kevolutionarv War. 



40 SEY]\rOUR AND VICINITY. 

There were three principal ways to go from Derby to Waterbnry in tliose 
old times. One way Avas on the east side of the Nangatnck by the house of 
Benajah Johnson and his son Isaac, on Skokorat, tlien up over Beacon Hill to 
Salem, &c. A second way was along the banks of the Naugatuck, crossing 
the stream sixteen times. This Avas often the way in summer when the 
stream Avas low. A third way Avas over Great Hill, Rock'us (Ilock-house) 
Hill, Quaker Farms, &c. When a man and his Avife or daughter made the 
journey to AYaterbury she rode behind him on a pillion. 

The road across Great Hill Avas laid out previ(»us to 1745, as a])pears in- 
cidentally in the folloAving extract from the records : 

To all u'liOM it may concern, know ye, that we, the suhscrihers hereunto, at the dei^ire of 
the selectmen of Derbey, were by the civil authority in Milford appointed and sworn to afx 
and sett up bounds between a certain highway leithin the bounds of Derbey aforesaid, on a 
place called the Great Hill, the land on the Northward side of the Hif/hway claimed by Capt. 
SamH Basitt on the riyhts of Saml. Hawley of Stratford, and on the Southward side of said 
high-way claimed by Samuel Tomlinson, Abraham Wooster and Jonathan Lum. According 
to sd. appointment we on the second Day of instant May did go upon the land, and consider- 
ing the records and hearing the ivitnesses there present, set up, afix and renew the bounds on 
each side of sd. highway, and a heap of stones at the South west corner of said BasitVs lying 
ivithin the fence, and a heap of stones lying at the root of a great chestnut-tree that is blown 
down at the Southeast corner of said Basitfs claim, are the true original corners of Sd. 
Hawley' s piece of land as laid out by a Committee Decemher 21, 1698, and that a straight 
line from .said Cornet's is the northward side of the Highway. And four rods Southward 
from said Iteap of stones at the root of said Chestnut tree there is a heap of stones at the root 
of a black oak tree tn Sd. Johnafhan. Luni\s fence, and another heap of .stones bg Woodbury 
road four rods Southward from a heap of stones at the corner of Sd. Basitt^s land, lying 
near to the corner of Sd. Tomlinson's land that was formerally Silvester IFooster^s, and a 
straight line from s((id corners is the Southward side of said Highway. I>oue by us, Derbey, 
May 2d, I74r^. 

Nathaniel Fairchiij), ) 
Nathan Baldwin, ,• Freeholders. 

Entered .fuly the \si, A. D., 1745. Thomas Clarkk, ) 

]>y me, Charles French, Ecgtr. 

Joseph Mauweliu^ or Chuse, about ITl'O was i)resented by his father 
with a tract of land "near the falls of the Xaugatuc," Avhere a little band 
of Indians gathered around and recognized him as their chief. At lirst there 
Avere but two or three white families in the vicinity, but the number soon in- 
creased. Joe received the name Chuse from his manner in pronouncing 
elioosc, and from this the place was called ChusetoAvn for more than fifty 
years. Ohuse Avas a skillful hunter and cai)tured not only small game, but 
occasionally a deer, Avild turkey or bear. Finally the little tribe became 
scattered and in 1703, Chuse and Houde, sold their land to p]benezer Keeney, 
John Wooster and Joseph Hull, Jr. The folloAving is a copy of the deed : 

Know all men by these presents that we, Joseph Chuse, John Houde, Indians of Derby, 
in the County of New Haven, and Colony of Connecticut in New England, with the advice of 
Samuel Basel, Esqr, Agent for the .mid Indians, according to the Allowance and Liberty 
Given to Ebenezcr Keeney, John Wooster 4'- Joseph Hull, Jr. of Derby in the county and 
colony aforesaid by the general assembly of the Colony of Connecticut on the first Thursday of 
May, A. D. 1760, .$■' we the Said Joseph Chuse, John Honde, Indians as aforesd — ivith the 
Liberty and advice as aforesd — do quit-claim and make over and confirm unto the said Ebene- 
zer Keeney, John Wooster .S' Joseph Hull, Jiir.,for the Consideration of Eight Pounds LaufuU 



SEYMOUR A:&^D vicinity. 41 

money to us paid hy Ihe said Ehenezer Keeney, John Wooster cf Joseph Hnll, Jr., which 
is to our full satisfaction, and we the said Joseph Chuse if- John Houde do by these Presents 
Quitclaim, make over and Confirm to them the sd Ebenezer Keeney, John Wooster and Joseph 
Hull, Jr., a Certaine Parcell of Land Lying in sd Derby at the Falls, so called. Bounded as 
followeth, beginning at a heap of stones near the foot of the Great Bridge wliieh is the original 
corner of the Falls Land, and run east four rods to a heap of stones on the edge of the hill 
by a xvalnut tree, then run north 46 degs. west eleven rods to a heap of stones on the edge of a 
knole, then West 14 Degs. north fourteen rods to a heap of stones four rods from the bank of 
the river, then run north 34 Degs. west fifteen rods to a heap of stones on the top of the high. 
bank, then run west 45 Degs. north to a heap of stones by the rirer eighteen rods, and then its 
bounded southerly and westerly around to the first mentioned bounds near the foot of the 
Bridge all the way on the river, taking in the falls Rocks, Containing one acre against the 
falls and one acre and a half of land for highway to the said acre, with all the prevelidges 
and appurtenances belonging to said falls and land, and tve the said Joseph Chuse, John 
Houde, Indians, as aforesaid do by these presents quitclaim, release and relinquish and make 
aver to them, the said Ebenezer Keeney, John Wooster and Joseph Hull, Jr., and to their 
heirs and assigtis forever without any inolestation given by us or by our heirs or assigns. In 
Confirmation of the premises ^ve have hereunto set our Hands and Seals this forth day of 
October, A. D., 1763. 

Signed, Sealed and delivered 

in presence of JOSEPH CHUSE 

CHABLES FRENCH, 

JOHN HOLBROOK, jqhN HOUDE 



Derby, in the County of New Haven, on the day and date above said personalh/ ap- 
peared Joseph Chuse and John Houde, signers and sealers to the above instrument and ac- 
knowledged the said instrument to be their free act and deed. 

Before me, CHARLES FRENCH, Justice of the Peace. 

It appears however, that some Indians remained in the vicinity lonjy 
after this, as at a town meeting held Mar. 8, 1780, "Capt. Bradford Steel and 
Mr. Gideon Johnson were appointed a committee with full power to take 
care of the Indian Lands in Derby, and let out the same to the best advan- 
tage for the support of said Indians and to take care that there be no waste 
made on said land, and to render an account of their doings to said town of 
Derby." 

Francis French, one of the original grantees of Derby, when it was set 
apart from the Milford plantation, came over in the ship "Defence" in 1635, 
being then but ten years of age. Savage, in his Dictionary of First Settlers 
of New England, says he came over with William, his * * * uiicle, who 
settled at Cambridge, Mass. The English records of emigration of about 
that time record the departure of one Francis French, aged ten years, and 
his mother. This Francis French was one of the selectmen of the town in 
1066, when the usual pay of town officials for their services was 2s. 6d. per 
day. His son Francis, born Feb. 11, 1677, was the father of Israel French, 
who built his house where now stands the house of William Gilyard, on Sko- 
corat, in 1740, and so was a near neighbor of Benajah Johnson.' This Israel 
French married Sarah Loveland Sept. 11, 1739. He was elected a Surveyor 
of Highway at a town meeting held Dec. lOtli, 1764, and held the office 
several years. As the highway to Derby was then little better than a forest 
path, the office was probably no sinecure. His oldest son, David, born in 
1741, lived in Bethany, then a parish of Woodbridge. He was faniiliarly 
known as King David, and the records mention him as a land holder of 
Nyumphs in 1766, and years afterward as prominent among the early Metho- 
dists. He died Aug. 4, 1821, aged 80 years. Another son of this' pioneer. 



42 SEYMOUE AND VICINITY. 

Israel, was Charles, born Dec. 19, 1765, who was the father of Eaymond 
French, Esq. Charles, brother of Israel French, was town clerk of Derby 
thirty-four years. The family were remarkable for their tenacious memories. 
It was said of Israel that after once hearing a sermon he could repeat it from 
memory with but little varation. 

Richard Baldicin, one of the original grantees of the town of Derby, 
was a native of England, baptized there in 1G22, and came over with his 
father Sylvanus on board ship Martin. Sylvanus was the son of Sylvester, 
from parish Ashton, Clinton, Bucks Co., Eng., who died in 1638 on ship 
Martin. Richard bought land Oct. 10th, 1669, in the south part of Derby, 
of Ockemunge, (written also Okenuch and Okenug,) "sole sachem of Pau- 
gussett," Chupps and Nehawkumme. 

He was selected by the General Court as "Moderator of the new settle- 
ment of Paugussett, and he was one of the committee appointed on the part 
of the New Haven colony to effect the union with the Connecticut colony. 
Barnabas, son of Richard, was born in 1665. About six hundred acres in the 
south-west part of Woodbridge, which had been purchased of an Indian chief 
by his father, was conveyed to him by his brothers and sisters, and is largely 
in the possession of his descendants to the present day. He died in 1741. His 
son Timothy was bom in 1695 and died in 1766. Capt. Timothy, son of the 
above mentioned, was born Dec. 13, 1722, in what was then Milford, near the 
Derby line, afterwards Woodbridge. Jan. 15, 1744, he was manied to Sarah 
Beecher, who died in 1794. He was in 1779 one of the committee to facilitate 
the aiTangements to strengthen the patriot aniiy. He lived in what is now 
Seymour, and in 1789 was the first signer of the petition for the establishment 
of the first religious society formed in this place. See page 17. He had a slave 
Peter, baptized Dec. 23rd, 1790. He died Dec. 22, 1800. His children were 
Sarah, b. Apr. 11, 1746, m. Simeon Wheeler of Derby, Oct. 10, 1764: 
Timothy, b. 1749, lived in Derby, d. Aug. 30, 1822: Thaddeus, b. June 22, 
1751: Anne, b. Feb. 24, 1757, m. Edmund Clark of Derby. 

Occasionally the records of public proceedings seem to indicate a large 
proportion of the public men as residing in this part of old Derby. At the 
town meeting held Dec. 10, 1764, Daniel Holbrook was chosen moderator ; 
Charles French, town clerk ; Ashbel Loveland and Abiel Fairchild, grand 
jurors ; John Howd, one of the tything men ; and John Washband, surveyor 
of highways. In 1765, (Dec. 9th,) Daniel Holbrook is again mentioned as 
moderator of the town meeting, and Gideon and Nathaniel Johnson and John 
Basit were chosen surveyors of highway. Daniel Holbrook lived on Skocorat. 

The practice of allowing cattle and swine to nin at large on the common 
lands made necessary some method of marking, and each proprietor had his 
"earmark" duly recorded. Dr. Josiah Canfield's earmark was a swallow fork 
in the end of the left ear. (Entered Mar. 27, 1769.) Jonathan Miles' earmark 
was a swallow fork in each ear and a half penny cut in the upper side of the 
rio-ht ear. (Entered May 9, 1766.) 



SEYIMOUR AND VICINITY. 43 

As an adjoining town, carved, like Seymour, fi-om what was once Derby, 
and whose boundary line has been changed from time to time, so as to include 
more or less of what is now Seymour, some account of the early history of 
Oxford may properly be inserted here. The first petition looking to the setting 
apart of Oxford as a separate parish was made to the General Assembly in 
May, 1740. A committee was appointed to investigate the case, and in May, 
1741, the petition was granted in the following words: 

"Whereas upon the memorial of Timothy Worster, John Twitchel and 
John Towner, »S:c., dwelling in the north and northwest part of the township 
of Derby, Isaac Trowbridge, John Weed, Jonas Weed, Joseph Weed, Thomas 
and Joseph Osborn, dwelling in the southwest part of Waterbury woods, in 
the old society in said Waterbury, and Isaac Knowles, Joseph Towner, 
Eliphalet Bristol, John Tift and Aaron Bristol, dwelling in the southeast part 
of the township of Woodberry woods in the parish of SouthbeiTy, moving to 
the General Assembly holden at Hartford, May, anno Dom. 1740, that they 
might become one entire, distinct ecclesiastical society, and praying for a 
committee, &c.; the said General Assembly did appoint a committee, who 
accordingly making their report to the General Assembly at New Haven in 
October last, and the same not being accepted; and the said General Assembly 
in October last appointing another committee, Colo. Benjamin Hall, Capt. 
Isaac Dickerman and Capt. John Fowler, to view and report, &c.: And 
whereas the said last mentioned committee have to this Assembly made their re- 
port, that according to the direction of said Assembly they have repaired to 
the abovesaid places, &c., and find and are of opinion, that it is necessary and 
best that the said inhabitants be made a distinct, separate ecclesiatical society, 
and that their bounds and limits be as foUoweth : Beginning at the mouth of 
the four mile brook in Derby bounds, where the brook emptieth itself into the 
great river, and to run as said brook runneth by said brook unto the bridge 
that is between the dwelling houses of Abel Gun and John Holbrook; and 
from said bridge by the highway that runneth between the land commonly 
called the Camp's Mortgage and the land called Quakers Farm Purchase, unto 
the river called the Little river; and thence as the Little river runneth to Nau- 
gatuck river; and thence northerly, by said Naugatuck river, that being the east 
boimds of said society, until it comes to the dividing line between the towns of 
Derby and Waterbury; thence turning westerly and running as the line runneth 
between the towns of Derby and Waterbury, as aforesaid, until it comes to the 
southeasterly boundary of Thomas and Joseph Osborn's farm in the bounds of 
Derby; and from thence to run northerly to the northeast corner boundary of Jos. 
Weed's farm in Waterbury town bounds; and from thence a northwesterly line 
to the northeast comer boundary of Isaac Trowbridge's farm in said Waterbury 
town bounds; and from thence to run westerly, in the line of said Trowbridge's 
farm, about sixty rods, to Woodbeny town line; and thence to the northwest 
corner of Isaac Knowles's farm in the township of Woodberry ; and from the 
northwest corner of said Knowles's farm a west line to the eight mile brook 
in the bounds of Woodberry; and then by the said brook, until it comes to 
the dividing line between the towns of Woodberry and Derby; and thence 
to run westerly in the line that divideth between the said towns of Woodberry 
and Derby, unto the great river; thence by the river southerly to the first 
mentioned boundary, the mouth of four mile brook; as by said report on file, 
dated Mav the 7th, anno Bom. 1741." 



44 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

"7< is thereupon renolved by this Assembly, That the above said memori- 
alists, inliabitants of Derby, Waterbury and Woodberry, situate and living 
within the bounds and limits above described, be and become together one 
entire, separate and distinct ecclesiastical society or parish, subsisting and 
known by the name of the parish of Oxford, and endowed with all powers 
and privileges wherewith other parishes within tliis government are by law 
endowed." 

The members of the "Society of Oxford," as they termed themselves, 
met for the first time and organized June 30, 1841. On the Gth of Oetober, 
1741, in meeting lawfully warned, it was voted, "by a two-thirds part of the 
inhabitants by law qualified to vote and present in meeting, to build a meet- 
ing house, and to meet the assembly in their next session at New Haven, to 
pray for a commission to appoint, order and fix the place whereon their meet- 
ing house shall be erected and built." Mr. Ebenezer Riggs was appointed 
agent to the General Assembly. The following is the order of the Assembly: 

"Upon the report of (Japt. Isaac Dickermau, Mr. James Talmadge 
and Mr. John Hitchcock, appointed by this Assembly to affix the place 
for the inhabitants of the parish of Oxford to build their meeting house 
upon, &c., the said committee having viewed their circumstances, and have 
set down a stake and laid stones to the same, at the south end of the hill, 
commonly called Jack's Hill, and near the highway that runs on the east 
side the Little river, on land belonging to Ephraim Washbourn, which said 
place the said committee report to be the most convenient place for the said 
inhabitants to build a meeting house upon : Resolved by this Assembly, that 
the abovesaid place be the place for the said inhabitants to build their meeting 
house upon ; and the said inhabitants are hereby ordered to build a meeting 
house at the said place accordingly." 

In May, 1743, "upon the prayer of Isaac Trowbridge, of Oxford parish, 
in behalf of himself and the rest of the inhabitants of said parish, pray- 
ing this Assembly that they may be allowed to imbody into a church 
estate and be impowered and enabled to settle a minister according to the 
establishment of the churches in this government, &c.: Whereupon it is 
gi'anted by this Assembly, that the said parish of Oxford, by and wiih the 
consent and approbation of the neighbouring churches, may imbody into 
church estate, and are hereby allowed and impowered to i)roceed to and settle 
a minister according to the establishment of the churches in this government." 

Rev. Johnathan Lyman was ordained minister of the parish Oct. 4, 1745, 
and received a settlement of £500, to be paid in four yearly installments, and 
a salary of £125 per year. The next minister was Rev. David Bronson, from 
Milford, called Mar. 3rd, 17(54, with a settlement of £200 and a salary of £G0. 
He served the parish forty years, dying in 1800. 

The Episcopal parish of St. Peter's was organized in 1704 by Rev. 
Richard Mansfield, the rector of the Derby church. The first settled clergy- 
man of this parish was Rev. Mr. Prindle. 

Although a separate parish since 1741, Oxford was not incorporated as a 
town until 1798. Father mention will be made in connection with contem- 
porary events. 



SEYMOUli AND VICINITY. 45 



The I*ei*io<l of tlie I^-evolution- 



The hardy pioneers who had made their homes among these hills and 
vales, of good old English stock, and, in part, descendants of the puritans who 
came over in the Mayflower, had grown stronger in their love of freedom, and 
were prompt to second the resistance to the encroachments upon their liberty. 
Meetings were held and arrangements made to send men, provisions and 
clothing, to the extent of their ability, to the patriot army. Of necessity the 
business was done in town meetings, but the records show that those living in 
this section did their duty nobly. 

As early as Nov. 29th, 1774, a special town meeting was called to con- 
sider "the doings of the Reputable Continental Congress held at Philadelphia, 
Sept. 5*^ 1774," Daniel Holbrook, moderator. They agreed that the proposal 
of Congress was "a wise and judicious plan," and resolved that they would 
"faithfully adhere to and abide by the association entered into by said Con- 
gress." The meeting also voted as follows: "That the Gentlemen hereafter 
named be a Committee to see the same carried into execution, viz : Capt. 
John Holbrook, M'" Henry Tomlinson, Maj. Jabez Thompson, M'' John Pickit, 
Cap* Thomas Clark, M'' Abraham Smith, Henry Whitney, Cap* Joseph Riggs, 
Lieu* Bradford Steel & Lieu* Ebenezer Buckingham. In case a county Con- 
gress should be agreed upon in this county, then the aforesaid committee shall 
ch use and appoint two out of their number to attend such congress. Again 
the town have taken into their consideration the needy & distressed circum- 
stances of the poor of the Town Boston, by the operation of a late act of Par- 
liament blocking up their Harbour, this Town is opinion that it is necessary 
and their duty to contribute for their help." 

In 1777 all male citizens of lawful age were required to take an oath of 
fidelity. Among those who took this oath appear the following ftimiliar names. 
Rev. Daniel Humphrey, Charles French, Esq'', John Davis, Esq'', Thomas 
Clark, Esq', Cap* John Holbrook,* Agur Tomlinson, Joseph Durand, Benja- 
min Tomlinson, Cap* Joseph Riggs, Abraham Basit, David DeForest, Philo 
Johnson, John Coe, Daniel Chatfield, Ruben Baldwin, Gideon Johnson, Nathan 
Mansfield, Bradford Steel, Eleazer Lewis,* Ebenezer Keeney, Henry Tomlin-. 
son,* Turel Whittemore, Abraham Beacher, Enos Bradley, Johnathan Hitch- 
cock, Noah French, Nathaniel French, Samuel French, John Howd, David. 
Johnson, Deacon Daniel Holbrook, Jn'^, Cap* Nathaniel Johnson, Abraham 
Hawkins, Isaac Smith, Cap* John Tomlinson, Cap* William Clark, John 
Botchford, Ashbel Loveland, Asahel Johnson, Cap* Joseph Lum, Joseph 
Loveland, Jehiel Spcaicer, p]benezer Johnson, Samuel Russell, Zachariah 
Fairchild, Frcegift Hawkins, Edward Howd, Joseph Canfield, Silas Baldwin, 



46 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

Abijah Hull, Lewis Hubbell, Philo Holbrook, Eleazer Wooster. (*Specifiecl 
in records as living on Great Hill.) 

At a town meeting held Feb. lO**^, 1777, the following action was taken: 

"Whereas the General Assembly of this state at their sessiims at Middle- 
town on the 18"^ day of December last past, by an act did regulate the prices 
of a number of articles in s"^ act enumerated ; and whereas it appears to this 
town that it is of the utmost consequence to the Community in general and 
to this town in particular that said act should be immediately carried into 
execution Voted therefore that this town will by every legal measure en- 
deavour to have the directions of said act strictly complyed with, this town 
being fully sensible that it is the duty of every friend to his country to sell & 
dispose of the articles enumerated in the act of assembly fixing the price of 
labour, provisions, &c., at the prices at which they are therein stated. Therefore, 

Voted, that those of us who have any of them beyond what we want for 
our own consumption will readily and cheerfully sell them either for money 
or produce at the price in said act stated : and that we will esteem all persons 
who shall not do the same, enemies to their country, and treat them accord- 
ingly : Provided such person is properly convicted thereof before the Com- 
mittee of Inspection of this Town : whom we impower to take cognizance of 
such offense." 

That those who were serving their country on the field of battle were pro- 
vided for by those who remained at home, as far as their means would permit, 
is shown by frequent votes of supplies and appointment of special committees 
to see that the supplies were furnished. On the 8th of Dec, 1777, John Coe, 
David DeForest and Cap' Thomas Clark were appointed such a committee. 
In Dec, 1778, Sam' Hull, David DeForest, Abraham Beecher, Cap*^ John 
Tomlinson, Cap*^ Timothy Baldwin, Cap* John Riggs, Lieu* Samuel Wheler, 
Sam^ Basit, Dan' Holbrook, Jun"", Cap* Joseph Riggs, Ruben Tucker, Cap* 
Nathaniel Johnson, Jos Russell, Noah Tomlinson, Thomas ('lark. Esq'', John 
Howd, Cap* John Holbrook, Edward Howd, Thadeus Baldwin and others 
were appointed a committee to provide clothing for the soldiers. 

At a town menting held Dec. 28th, 1778, it was voted to "give to each 
soldier in the Continental Army that counts for the town of Derby Ten Pounds 
money each in lew of the linnin overhawls, linnin shirts, and shoes that was 
voted to them last year as a bounty," and a town tax was laid of one shilling 
nine pence on the pound. Ensign John Humphi'ey was appointed to receive 
the money and to pay it to the soldiers. 

Notwithstanding the excitement caused by the war and the heavy taxes 
upon the resources of the people, the schools were n(»t forgotten, as the fol- 
lowing documents show. The first seems to define a district in the western 
part of what is now Beacon Falls. The petition was granted in a town 
meeting Dec. 13th, 1779. 

"Citnsidering the distance that a considerable number of the inhabitants 
of the 4**^ & 5*'^ districts live from the center of said districts and the incon- 
venience it is attended with, we therefore whose names are under written, 
desire to be set off' to be an entire District. Signed and approved by us, 
Joseph Davis, Abraham Basit, Sam' Smith, Jr., l3avid Person, John Davis, 
John Church, Isaac Beecher, Abraham Beecher, Ebenezer Riggs, John 
Riggs, Bradford Steel, Committee. Beginning at the Stone Bridge at the 
lower end of Mr. Abraham Basit's Little river meadow, from thence running 
East to the top of the hill South of said Basit's, then running north with the 
high-way to Capt. Joseph Davis' including said Capt Davis, and fi"om thence 
running East to the high way that runs west of Tobey's rock, then running 



SEVMOUK AND N'UINITY. 47 

north to the head of the bounds between Derby & Waterbury, including M"* 
Abigail Gunu's tarm, then running West with the line to "\Vat(;rbury road, 
then running tSouth with the road down to Mr. JNliles' barn, then running 
West to Touantiek brook, then running South with the brook to the bridge 
over said Brook Southeast of David Twitchel's, and from thence southerly 
down to the road to the first mentioned bounds, iucludiug widow Ruth 
Bunnell." 

The following seems to describe what now constitutes the sub-districts of 
Shrub Oak and Bungay, Seymour. Petition granted in a town meeting 
Dec. 27th, 1770. 

"We the Subscribers whose uauies are underwritten desire the town of 
Derby would permit us to be formed into a school district, to take in part of 
the north district in the old society, and part of the Great Hill, and part of 
the Eimmon District, bounded as followeth, beginning at the mouth of 
Hassekee meadow brook, running northerly by Naugatuck river till it comes 
to the upper end of Long Plain, so called, then running westerly to the north 
side of the Park, then running southerly to the west side of John Botchford's 
farm, then running southerly to Mr. Joseph Canlield's barn, then running 
southerly to the highway twenty rods north of Xehemiah Botchford's house, 
then running with the highway to Hassekee meadow brook, then running by 
said brook to the first mentioned corner." 

Bradford Steel, Eunis Pritchard, Abra™ Wooster, 

Ashbel Steel, James Pritchard, Jr., Daniel Davis, 

Hezekiah Woodin, Samuel Wooster, Benj" Davis, 

Ruben Perkins, William Gordin, Eben'' Keeney, 

Ranford Whitney, John Botchford, Wm. Keeney, 

Lewis Riggs, Edward Harger, Theo"® Miles, 

John Wooster, Josiah Washband, Jona° Miles. 

-loHN Riggs, / ^, ... 

John Tomlinson, j <^«^'"«'«^^- 

The following is from the minutes of a town meeting held Mar. 8th, 1780. 
*'The town by their voate appoint Capt. Bradford Steel and Mr. Gideon John- 
son a comrnitte with full power to take care of the Indians' Lands in Derby, 
and let out the same to the best advantage for the support of said Indians, and 
to take care that there be no wast made on said laud, and to render an ac- 
count of their doings to said town of Derby." At the same meeting it was 
''voted that Abraham Hawkins, James Beard, Esq., Mr. John Humphrey, 
Capt. Nathan Person, Mr. Noah Tomlinson, Major Nathan Smith, David 
Tomlinson, Lieut. Levi Hotchkiss, Walter Wooster and Ebenezer Warner be 
a committee to assist the officers of the several companies in the town of 
Derby in raising their quota of men that shall be requested in this town for 
the continental and state service, at the expense of the town, with discretion- 
ary orders to give such premiums as said com"*' in their wisdom shall judge 
reasonable." 

At a town meeting held June 27th, 1780, a rate of sixpence was voted 
"to pay the bounty to the Contenental soldiers and to defray town charges," 
and Capt. John Riggs, Capt. Daniel Holbrook and Capt. Bradford Steel were 
"appointed a com"'* to enlist contenental soldiers and to pay them their 
bounty." 

It was also voted "that the town shall give each man that shall enlist 
himself as a soldier into the Contenental army during the war shall receive of 
the town as a })ounty the sum of £20, to be paid in bills of credit of this state 



48 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

at the time the muster, and £20 pounds at the commencement of the second 
year of their service, and twenty pounds at the commencement of the 3*^ 
year of their service. And all such as shall list for three years into the 
contenental army shall receive in bills of credit of this state £20 at the time 
of passing muster, & £15 at the commencement of the 2"*^ year of their 
service, and £10 at the commencement of the 3*^ year of their service. 
And also all such persons as have or shall enlist into the contenental service 
for one year and seven months from the date of these presents shall receive 
£10 at passing muster, arid £5 at the commencement of the 2"*^ campaign. 

By a vote at a town meeting held Nov. 13, 1780, it was provided that 
two shirts, two pair stockings, one pair shoes, and 1 pair mittens should be 
sent to each soldier. 

In accordance with an act of the Assembly for collecting and storing a 
quantity of provisions, in the winter of 1780-81, the following prices were 
allowed for produce received as taxes, in lieu of money; beef of the best 
quality 5p. per pound, merchantable 4|p., pork 5 and 6p. per pound, wheat 
flour 24p. per hundred. 

In Nov., 1780, "Johnathan Hitchcock, Capt, Tho^ Clark, John Howd, 
Cap^ John Tomlinson, M'^ Johnathan Lum, Jn'', and Lieu* John Basit were 
appointed a committee to class the people agreeable to a late act of Assembly 
for filling up &: compleating the state's Quotas of the Contenental Army," and 
measures were taken to provide clothing for those already in the held. At a 
town meeting held Dec. 11th, 1780, the following committee was appointed 
to take care of the soldiers' families; Peter Johnson, Joseph Russell, Thadeus 
Baldwin, Daniel Holbrook, Isaac Smith, Benj. Basit, Jabez Thompson, 
Christopher Smith, Andrew Smith, Johnathan Lum, Jn', John Basit, Josiah 
Strong, Robert Wlieler, Isaac Beecher, Ebenezer Johnson, Abiel Fairchild, 
Jn'' and Noah Tomlinson. 

Emiuieipation. At the same meeting it was "Voted that the authority 
and selectmen be impowered and directed to give certificates to Capt. Daniel 
Holbrook and Capt. John Wooster to free and emancipate their servants, Negro 
men, on the condition that the said negro men inlist into the State Rig* to be 
raised for the defense of this state, for the town, one year." At a town meet- 
ing held in 1 781 it was voted that the selectmen give to the Rev'^ David 
Humphreys a certificate or liberty to manumit his servants, Cambridge and 
Cate his wife. 

In April, 1781, the town was called on for men for the post of Horseneck, 
and the selectmen were empowered to provide horses and accoutrements for 
the service. 

In March, 1782, some who had been called on for sersice in the army 
were released on payment of Fifty pounds and the required number of soldiers 
for one year were obtained by the ofl'er of bounties. A tax of two pence on 
the pound was laid to pay the bounties. George Beard was chosen collector 
for the Great Hill Society, and with Micah Pool was to be a committee to 
enlist the number of soldiers required. Cajj* Nathaniel Johnson was ap- 
pointed collector for the old Society and with Cap* Daniel Holbrook consti- 
tuted the committee of enlistment. Abraham Beecher was appointed collect- 
or in Oxford Society and Cap* Ebenezer Riggs was associated with him as 
enlisting committee. At a later meeting Ebenezer Plant was appointed to 
assist in the Oxford Society. Tliere were, here as elsewhere throughout the 
colonies, some who believed that they owed first and indissoluble allegiance 
to King George III. Except these "loyalists," those who could best leave 
liome had freelv volunti^ered early in the contest, and now those v,'ho re- 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 49 

mainetl, as freely contributed of their scanty means to fill tlie quota needed 
to secure the final victory. 

The names of those who served their country on the field of battle are 
not all now to be found, but so many as can be gleaned from old manuscripts 
and records ai'e given below. 

Gen. David ITumphreys, son of Rev. Daniel Humphreys, was born in 
Derby in 1752. As a boy he was passionately fond of books, and in 17G7 ho 
entered college at the early age of fifteen, graduating with distinguished honor. 
During his college course he earned the title of "the young bard of Yale." 
As a poet he graced the progress of freedom and the pathways of liberty with 
the flowers of his pen, and in this way helped to fire the hearts of patriots and 
hasten the growth of that public opinion which culminated in the establishment 
of our republic. After a short residence in New York he returned to New 
Haven county, and before joining the army in 1778, he wrote many poetic 
ett'usions, one of which was addressed to his friends in Yale College, of which 
the following lines are a specimen. 

"Adieu, then, Yale ! where youthful poets dwell, 
No more 1 linger by thy classic stream — 
Inglorious ease and sportive songs, Farewell! 
Thou startling clarion, break the sleeper's dream." 

He entered the army as captain and in 1778 had been promoted as aid 
to Gen. Putnam with the rank of Major. Two years later he was appointcnl 
aid to General Washington, which position he retained during the war, enjoy- 
ing the full confidence of the Commander-in-chief, and sharing his toil and 
danger. When the army of Cornwallis laid down their arms at Yorktown, 
Oct. 19th, 1781, Humphreys had the honor to receive the English colors and 
as a mark of approbation was dispatched to Congress "with copies of the returns 
of prisoners, arms, ordnance, etc., and twenty-five stands of colors, surrendered," 
with a letter from Washington warmly commending Col. Humphreys to the 
thanks and consideration of the government for his valor, fidelity and signal 
services. In November following he was voted an elegant sword in the "name 
of the United States in Congress assembled," and in 1780 it was presented by 
Gen. Knox, then Secretary of War, with imposing ceremonies. Congress 
also commissioned him Lieut. Colonel, dating back his commission to his ap- 
pointment as aid to Washington. In 1784 he embarked for France in company 
with the brave but unfortunate Kosciusko; having on the appointment of 
Mr. Jefterson as ambassador to France, been appointed Secretary of Legation. 
In 1786 he returned to America and revisited the scenes of his youth. 

Soon after his return, he was elected by his fellow citizens to be their 
representative in the legislature of the State, and continued to be elected for 
two years, when he was appointed to the command of a regiment raised for 
the western service. During the i)eriod that he held his office, he remained 
most of the time in Hartford; and, with Hopkins, Barlow and Trumbull, as- 
sisted in the publication of the Anarchiad. On the reduction of his regiment, 
he repaired to Mount Vernon, and continued with Gen. Washington until 
1790, when he received the appointment of Minister to the court of Portugal, 
where he resided seven years. He was then appointed Minister to Spain, in 
which position he continued until 1802. He married a Spanish lady and thus 
added to his influence and rendered easier a project he had formed for the 
benefit of his native land. Knowing the superiority of Spanish wool, he planned 
to export some of the unrivalled Merino sheep to the United States, and in 
this he succeeded, though at great risk and cost, inasmuch as the Spanish laws 
forbade the exportation by stringent laws. He obtained permission to purchase 



50 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

four hundred Merinos in the mountain pastures of Estremadura and employing 
shepherds, drove them to the coast by night, remaining secreted by day. 
During this trip and the voyage to America the number was rapidly reduced, 
so that when landed at Derby dock they numbered only about one hundred. 
This was the first importation of Merino sheep into the United States. Gen. 
Humphreys then erected the first woolen factory in the United States in the 
village which took his name — Humphreysville — and in connection with which 
the labor of his later years will be spoken of at length. 

Capt Ehenezer Dayton was one of the brave privateersmen of the Sound, 
who annoyed the transports and boats of the tories and the British admii-al 
offered a large bounty for his head and that of Caleb Brewster, his cousin. Fear- 
ing to leave his family at their home in Brookhaven, L. I., he brought them 
across the Sound to Milford. After remaining there a while, as a further precau- 
tion, he removed them to Bethany hill inWoodbridge. The robbery of the house 
occupied by Mrs. Dayton at that place by a British company and a band of 
tories is well described at length by Eev. Israel Warren in the book entitled 
"Chauncey Judd." Soon after the Eevolution Capt. Dayton removed to 
Chusetown, where he opened a tavern, afterward the home for a time of Gen. 
Humphreys while he was establishing his woolen factory. Capt. Dayton, early 
seeing the advantage to his public house of a more direct communication with 
Waterbury and the towns above, set about the project of opening the Dug 
Koad, which was finished about the beginning of the present century. Being 
of a restless disposition, he, after a while, undertook an enterprise in Louisiana, 
where he spent the latter part of his life. 

Capt. Raymond Sanford, died in March, 1805, aged 53 years. E. 

Lieut. Jahez Pritchard, who enlisted in July, 1777, under Capt. Corris, 
in the regiment of Col. Enos, was in command of the guard at Horseneck and 
afterward under the command of Major Humphreys near Fort Independence. 
In the conflict which occurred there, Lieut. Pritchard, with others, was taken 
prisoner and confined, first at King's Bridge, then in New York, and afterward 
on a prison-ship in the North River. His commission was taken fi"om him 
by his inhuman captors and he was so ill treated that — like most of the other 
prisoners on that infamous ship — he survived but a short time. His generous 
character may be inferred fi'om the fact that he might have escaped being 
taken prisoner but that he would not abandon a wounded comrade, and that 
he afterward divided his funds with a fellow prisoner, to which act of liberality 
Bradford Steel ascribed his own recovery by means of the decent provision 
and comforts which he was thus enabled to purchase. 

Bradford Steel, son of Capt. Bradford Steel, born in 1761, enlisted 
July 10, 1777, at the age of sixteen, under Capt. Corris, regiment of Col. 
Enos. Tho company was at first stationed at Horseneck, but was soon after 
ordered to join a branch of the continental army under the command of Maj. 
Humphreys. They marched to Peekskill and there joined the army and 
marched to West Chester, about 2,000 strong and having two pieces of 
artillery. At the battle near Fort Independence, (General Varnum, com- 
manding officer,) Steel, with Lieut. Pritchard and others, were taken prison- 
ers. One of the number becoming deranged under his sufferings, the British 
soldiers beat him with their muskets, then tied him on a horse, took him to 
King's Bridge and threw him over, leaving him with his head and shoulders 
buried in the mud. At night Steel and thirteen companions were placed in 
a small tent guarded by Hessian soldiers, and if any one pressed out the tent 
cloth he was sure to feel the prick (fi a bayonet. Next day they were taken 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 51 

to the Sugar House, where most of the prisoners had nothing to eat for three 
or four (lays. They were then allowed four ounces each of wormy sea biscuit 
and four ounces of Irish pork daily. 

About the 1st of December they were put on board a ship in the North 
River. After fifteen days the small pox broke out. Steel and twenty -five 
others were taken to the hospital, where they had so little care that only four 
of the number survived. Steel saw one man with his feet so frozen that 
after a time they dropped olf at the ankles. One day while Steel was im- 
prisoned at the Sugar House, a well known tory came along and was all allow- 
ed by the guard to pass in. The prisoners seized him, dragged him to the 
pump, and the old pump handle went up and down in fine style until he was 
thoroughly drenched. He was then allowed to run, the prisoners saying 
good-bye to him with a shower of brickbats. Aug. 8, 1778, the few survivors 
received tidings that they were to be exchanged. Said Steel, "On the next 
day we were called out and paraded in the prison yard. To behold such a 
company of living skeletons, one Inight almost imagine that the prophecy 
concerning tlie dry bones had been fulfilled in us." Aug. 16th, they landed 
at Elizabethtown Point, and were marched to the meeting house where the 
exchange was effected. Steel and three others who were too much reduced 
by their sickness and sufferings to be capable of farther military service, were 
discharged and returned home. Steel recovered his health after some months 
and was for many years a highly respected citizen of Humphreysville, and 
deacon of the Congregational Society, dying Dec. 24, 1841, aged 80 years. 

John White, son of Daniel White, died Feb. 19th, 1830, aged 73. G. 

Leach, fought under Washington seven years, was several times 

badly wounded. Al. 

Ahram Bassett, died Nov. 17th, 1853, aged 81 years. E. 

Theophilus Miles, died 1822, aged 83 years. E. 

Truman Loveland. E. 

Sergt. James Baldwin. 

Jesse Baldivin, brother to above. 

Isaac Johnso7i, son of Benajah, died April 10th, 1813, aged 78. 31. 

Ezra Butler, afterward lived in the house now standing in the rear of 
the house of Sheldon Tucker. 

Ball. 



Jethro Martin, colored, Gen. Humphrey's servant, died in North Haven. 
Received a pension fi-om the government until his death. 

Joseph Mauicehu, (Chuse.) 



Phineas Johnson, from Pinesbridge. 

Nathaniel Johnson, from Pinesbridge, drafted, served till the close of 
the war. 

Linus Lounshury, of Nyumphs, was a soldier in the last French War 
and in the Revolution. 

C— Buricil in the Congregational Cemetery ; J?— Episcopal Cemetery ; J/— Methodist Cemetery. 



52 SEYMOUK AND VlCimTY. 

The memorandum of Lieut. Jabez Pritchard, who was taken prisoner 
with Bradford Steel and others, and died on board the prison ship, was brought 
home by Steel, and contains the list of guards detailed at Horseneck from 
Sept. 15*^ to 21^*. Most of the company were probably from this immediate 
vicinity. The names are 



Gideon Ailing, 
Samuel Andress, 
Abraham Bams, 
Nathaniel Black, 
Edward Bassett, 
David Blakesley, 
Corp. Bristol, 
Corp. Candee, 
Oliver Chatfield, 
Caleb Chatfield, 
Eeuben Canfield, 
Martin Clark, 
George Clark, 
Chauncey Clark, 
Amos Collins, 
Jolmathan Cartright, 
Jairus Congdon, 
Joseph Deremore, 
George Dachester, 
Samuel Durand, 
Ebenezer Durand, 



Isaac Durand, 
Vespation Eastman, 
Corp. Foot, 
Amos Fox, 
Joseph Hulse, 
Johnathan Lyman, 
James Leech, 
James Lines, 
Nathan Mallory, 
Major Morriss, 
Abraham Murray, 
Asahel Newel, 
Ensign Osborn, 
Lieut. Pierson, 
Noah Peck, 
John Prindle, 
Jabez Pritchard, 
John Priestly, 
Oliver Boot, 
Joseph Sanford, 



Philo Sperry, 
Jabin Sperry, 
Job Sperry, 
Alexander Sperry, 
Johnathan Sperry, 
Corp. Smith, 
Wm. Smith, 
Lieut. Steel, 
John Swift, 
Wm. Tomlinson, 
Thomas Torrance, 
Adam Vose, 
David Whittemore, 
Samuel Wood, 
Hezekiah Wooding, 
Eli Washband, 
Aaron Webster, 
Bowers Washburn, 

married the widow of David 

Wheeler, who died iu the 

revohitioiiary service. 

James Yatman. 



That those who had sacrificed so much for freedom were prompt in more 
peaceful times to frame aright the new government may be seen from the 
following resolution, adopted Oct. 8th, 1787 : 

"Resolved that this Town will instruct, and that it does hereby instruct 
its representatives in the General assembly to use their influence to have a 
Convention called as speedily as possible for the purpose of taking into con- 
sideration the Constitution proposed by the Federal Convention, agreeable to 
the recommeudation of Congi'ess ; in hopes that the business may be entered 
upon Jit an early period by the Legislature. Voted and passed unanimously." 

Cap* Daniel Holbrook and Cap* John Holbrook were appointed the dele- 
gates to the State Convention. 




A lottery was established in 1782 by authority of the Town of Derby to 
defray the expense of a highway from Derby to Woodljury, by the House- 
tunnock river and Wesquantuc or Rock House Hill Purchase, the cost not to 
exceed tSOO. Capt. Thomas Clark and Daniel Holbrook were to petition 
the General Assembly for its consent and approval. John Humphrey and 
Lieut Joseph Riggs were appointed to lay out the road. The same year 
Ashbel Loveland was appointed to build a bridge over the Naugatuck "below 
the falls." 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 53 

Amity, embracing the present towns of Woodbridge and Bethany, was 
constitnted a parish in October, 1739, in the following words : 

Whereas npon the memorial of Ebenezer Beecher, Jasper Gunn, and 
the rest of the inhabitants of tliat part of the town of New Haven called 
Ohestnnt Hill, and also of Barnabas Baldwin, Joel Northrop and others, to 
the nnmber ot hfteen, living on the northerly bonnds of Milford, moving to 
the General Assembly at New Haven in October last that they might become 
one entire distinct parish, and praying for a committee, &c., the said General 
Assembly did ajjpoint a connnittee, who accordingly making tlnnr report to 
the General Assembly at Hartford in May last, and the same not being ac- 
cepted; and the said General Assembly in May last a])])ointing another com- 
mittee, {viz.) Messrs. William Gould, William AVard and Joseph Thompson, 
to view ami report, t&c. : And whereas the said last mentioned committee 
have to this Assembly made their report, that according to the direction of 
the said Assembly they have repaired to the above said places, &c., and find 
and are of opinion that they, the above said inhabitants and farms, are able 
and sufficient to support parish charges, and that their bounds and limits 
ought to be as follows, I'iz : The north bounds in part upon the line between 
New Haven and Wallingford, so fiir as from New Haven north-west bounds 
easterly to the West Kocks till it comes down to the south side of Samuel 
Baldwin's land; thence westerly to the highway at the end of Sperry's 
Farms ; thence southerly, keeping said highway that leads up the great hill 
to Darby road ; then southerly at the rear of Westtield lots or second division 
lots ; then southerly till it comes to the south side of Capt. Isaac Johnson's 
farm ; then westwardly, between said Johnsons and that which was formerly 
Jeremiah Osborn's farm, to Milford east line; then westwardly to a cross 
highway ; then keeping said highway to the south-east corner of Hogs 
Meadow Purchase, so called, in Milford ; then westerly with the south line 
of Hogs Meadow Purchase, to the partition line between Milford and Derby ; 
then northerly, in said partition line, to Lebanon brook, so called ; then east- 
erly by said Lebanon brook to New Haven line ; then northerly in said line 
between New Haven and Milford till it comes to New Haven north-west 
corner bounds aforesaid ; excluding the lands in said Milford on the race be- 
tween New Haven line and Hogs Meadow Purchase from the aforesaid south 
bounds of the same, north to Derby road ; and the lands of Fletcher Newton 
and John Hind in said Hogs Meadow l*urchase, and Ephraim Gillett and 
his estate ; and also exclusive of Samuel Sperry, Joshua Sperry and Jona- 
than Sperry, with their estates in New Haven bounds ; as per said report on 
tile, dated October sixth, 1738, doth appear: 

It is therenpon resolrecl by this Assembly, That the above said memo- 
rialists, inhabitants of New Haven and Milford situated and living within 
the bounds and limits above described, exclusive of the persons and estates 
above in said committee's report exempted and excluded, as also exclusive of 
the lands of Capt. John Kiggs, Samuel Biggs and Joseph Biggs, lying 
within the bounds of Milford, be and become together one entire, separate 
and distinct society or })arish, subsisting and known by the name of the 
Parish of Amity, and endowed with all powers and privileges wherewith 
other parishes within this government are by law endowed." Col. Becords, 
Vol. -S, pages 201-2. 

Woodbridge was incorporated as a town in 1784, and was named from 
Rev. Benjamin Woodbridge, the first clergyman, who was ordained in 1742. 
This town has a fund of about five thousand dollars, given by Mr. Stephen 



54 SEYMOUE AND VICINITY. 

San ford, who it appears was a firm friend to the American cause during the 
Revolution. His will read thus : "I also give to the society of Amity, in the 
town of New Haven, for the support of a Presbyterian or Congregational 
minister, in said society, he being a friend to this, and the United States of 
America, after my wife's estate therein shall he ended," &c. 

Rev. Daniel Humphreys, the father of General David Humphreys, for 
fifty-four years the established minister of the First Society, died in 1787. 
The follwing is a copy of the inscription on his monument in the old Derby 
burying ground: 

The Revd. Dauiel Humphreys died Sept. 2d, 1787, in the 81st year of his age. For more than 
half a ceutury he was the established minister of tlie lirst Society in this town. Mrs. Sarah Humphreys^ 
the atfeetionate wife of his youth, and the tender companion of his advanced age, died July ^iHb, 1787, 
just live weeks before him. 

The seasons thus 

As ceaseless round a jarring world they roll, 

Still find them happy ; and consenting spring 

Sheds her own rosy garlands on their heads: 

Till evening comes at last serene and mild. 

When after the long vernal day of Life 

Enamour'd more as more remembrance swells 

With many a proof of recollected love, 

Together down they sink in social sleep, 

Together freed their gentle spirits fly. 

To scenes where love and bliss immortal reign. 

In 1789 the Congregational Society was formed by the withdrawal of 
twenty-six persons from the Congregational church in Derby, as narrated in 
the account of the Congregational church of Seymour, on pages 10 and 17 of 
this book. Capt. Timothy Baldwin was the first deacon of the new society 
and Levi Tomlinson the next. The latter lived in the house on the Ansonia 
road now owned by Judge Bronson. After losing three children he moved 
to Ohio. The third deacon was Bradford Steel, Jun. 

The first mention on record of any action leading to the incorporation of 
the parish of Oxford as a separate town is in the record of a town meeting held 
Dec, 28th, 1789: — Doct*' Edward Carrington and M"" Shadrac Osborn were 
appointed a com**'^ to take into consideration all the circumstances of the town 
respecting Oxford being made into a town. 

In 1791 the first Methodist sermon in this vicinity was preached by Rev. 
Jesse Lee and from that time meetings continued to be held in the open air, 
in school-houses, and in dwelling houses, until 1818. 

At this time there was a gristmill at the mouth of Little River, known 
as "Baldwin's Mill." The owner was Isaac Baldwin, a man of strong re- 
ligious opinions and an unwearying student of the Scriptures. The Bible was 
kept near at hand and when the mill did not require his attention he improved 
his leisure in conning the sacred pages. William Kelly, of Litchfield, who 
was then a boy of eight or nine, living with his parents above Pinesbridge, 
said that when he came on horseback to the mill he would frequently find 
Mr. Baldwin reading his bible. One day in the winter of 179- he went down 
in the wheelpit to chop away the ice and was killed by the sudden starting of 
the wheel. His remains were interred in Milton Parish, Litchfield. His 
children were named Isaac, Esther, Sarah, and Eunice. 

Bezaleel Peck owned the form where Naaman Peck's house was since 
built. He was one of the early Methodists. 

Samuel Sanford, from Bethany, was the first physician who located here. - 
The following petition, in which he represented Chusetown, was granted at a 
town meeting held Jan. 7th, 1793 : 

"To the Inhabitants of the Town of Derby in Town Meeting assembled, 
sir"*, we the subscribers, of s'* Derby, Physicians, humbly beg liberty of saitl 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 55 

town that we may have liberty to set up tlie Enociilation of the Small Pox 
in &^ Town, as there is many of the inhabitants of said Town that have and 
now are going into other towns for s*' purpose, and the, yongue people much 
exposed to have it the natural way if not enoculated, & we beg leave to sug- 
gest whether it be not for the advantage of this town to save as much of the 
money in the town as may be, and your Petitioners are willing to be under 
any restrictions as shall be thought reasonable, and are likewise of opinion 
that they can enoculate as cheap if not cheaper than is done by other Phv- 
sicians in other Towns. EDWARD CRAFTS, 

SAMUEL SANFORD, 
Derby, Dec. 10th, 1792. LIBERTY KIMBERLY. 

The following is a copy of a report relative to the incorporation of the 
town of Oxford accepted in a town meeting held Feb. 4:th, 179.'3. Pages 
203-204, Derby Records, B., M., D. & T. P.^ 

To the inliabitants of the town of Derby to be assembled in a meeting 
of s'^ town to be held at the town house in s"^ Derby, on Monday, the 4*'' day 
of Feb^ instant — we the subscribers, com*''" appointed at a meeting of s"^ town 
on Monday, the 7th day of Jan>' last, to go out and view the circumstances 
and situation of s*^ town respecting a division thereo'f, and to ascertain certain 
boundaries and lines for s'^ division, and also to to take into consideration the 
expense or burden of s*^ town, and all matters relating to s"^ division, and to 
report our opinion thereon, beg leave to report ; — That we have attended to 
s*^ business and mutually agreed on the following boundaries and lines of a 
division of s*^ town, viz : — beginning fifty rods above the mouth of Eight 
Mile Brook by Ousatonic River, from thence running north-easterly to the 
bend in Five Mile Brook at the foot of the hill, from thence running by s*^ 
Brook to the bridge over s'^ Brook in Woodbury old road, from thence to the 
south-east corner of Timothy Johnson's — formerly Abner Johnson's — dwelling 
house, from thence a due east course to the Little River, from thence by said 
River to the mouth where it empties into Naugatuck River, from thence 
crossing s*^ Naugatuck River to the eastern shore, from thence running up by 
said River on the east side of s'^ River to the mouth of the brook at the 
lower end of old Rimmon Plain, from thence to the end of the hill on the 
north-easterly side of s"^ brook at the lower end of s'^ Plain called Pessemire 
Hill, from thence on the ridge of s*^ Rock to the upper end of s'^ brook, ft'om 
thence a due east course to the Woodbridge line. Also agreed that all land 
on either side of s"^ line where lands are divided by s** lines shall be put into 
the List in either of the towns where the owner thereof resides so long as the 
present owners shall possess the same. And it is further agreed that Oxford 
or the new proposed town shall support one-half of the Falls Bridge, so long- 
as the present bridge shall stand ; and when the present bridge will not an- 
swer to repair and it is necessary that a new bridge to be built, then Oxford 
or the s'' new town shall at their own expense, build a good and sufficient new 
bridge where s*^ bridge now stands, to the acceptance of s"' town of Derby. 
And it is further agreed that any persons living near said line on either side 
where the line divided their land shall have their choice on which town they 
will belong, provided tliey make their choice in one year after s*^ division, and 
shall belong where they enter ther List the first year after s'' division. And 
it is further agreed that when a division of s** town shall be completed, the 
poor of s"^ town of Derby shall be divided to each town, and all other bur- 
dens which may arise in consequence of any existing circumstances, shall be 



5(> 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY 



equally borne by each of said towns if divided according to the List of each 
town. All of which is submitted bv vour most humble servants. 

SAM' HULL, ) 



DANIEL HOLBROOK, | 



\- 



Com"'' 



THOMAS CLARK, 
CALEB CANDE, 
Dated, Derby, Feb> 4'", A. D., 175)3. JOSIAH STRONG, 

LEMAN STRONG, \ 

Leveret Pritchard, son of Sergt. Leveret Pritchard, who perished in the 
war of the revolution, was a sergeant of the 8th Company of the 32nd Regi- 
ment of Connecticut militia in 1793. Following is a copy of his commission. 

Daniel Holbrook, Esq'", Lieu* Col" Commandant of the Thirty Second 
Regiment of Militia in the State of Connecticut in America. 

To Leveret Pritchard, Greeting: You being nominated by the Eighth 
Company or train band in said Reg* to be a Serg* in S*^ t'ompany; Reposing 
special trust and contidence in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, I do 
by virtue of the Laws of this State me thereunto enabling, appoint and im- 
]jower you to take S*^ Company into your care as one of tlieir Seig*^ and 
carefully and diligently to discharge that trust, exercising your inferior officers 
and soldiers in the use of their arms according to the discipline of war ordained 
by this State, keeping them in good order and commanding them to obey you/ 
as their Serg*, and you are to observe all orders and directions as from time to 
Time you shall receive from one or other your superior officers pursuant to the 
trust liereby reposed in you, and this shall be your sufficient warrant. Given 
under my Hand in Derbv, the 2"^^ day of Mav, A. D., 1793. 

DANIEL HOLBROOK. 

Following is the roll of the company fi'om the list left by Lieut. Pritchard. 
The marked were crossed off on account of death, removal to other towns, etc. 



Ahira Anderson, 
Isaac Baldwin, 
Elias Baldwin, 
Jesse Baldwin, 
Silas Baldwin, 
Samuel Bartist, 
David Beach, 
William Beard. 
Rubin P>lake, 
Henry Carpenter, 
John Church Caftrin. 
John Churchel, 
Timothy Churchel. 
Amos Clark, 
Elias Clark, 
Levy C!lark, 
Itnfus Clark, 
Ilezekiah Clark, Jun., 
Abel Church, 
Williani Church, 
Worrin Cridenton, 
Sheldon Davis, 
Asey French, 
Enoch French, 
Jeremiah Grissell, 



Simeon Guun, 
Jonah Harden, 
Joseph Hawkings, 
Samuel B. Hine, 
William Hine, 
Chancy Johnson, 
David Johnson, 
Elijah Johnson, 
Levy Johnson, >< 
Timothy Johnson, 
Seley Judd, 
John Kelley, 
Thomas Lea\ i usworth, 
Zebulon Lines, 
Ethel Lounsbury, 
Samuel W. Mitchell. 
Sebra Molthrop, 
Ii^benezer Orsborn, 
Philo Page, 
Salmon I'arker, 
Eleazer Patchen. 
John Perry, 
Thomas Pitcher, 
Asher Rheylee, 
James Riggs, 



John Riggs, 4th, 
Samuel Riggs, 
John Sanford, 
Moses Sanford, 
Abial Skeals, 
Elijah Smith,. 
Jesse Smith, 
Lyman Smith, 
John Spenser, X 
George Steel, 
Nathan Stiles, Jun., 
Oliver Stoddard, 
Josiah Swift, 
Thadias Thomas, 
Cyrus Tomlinson, 
Williani Tomlinson, X 
Benjamin Tuttle, 
Abel Wlieeler, 
Moses Wheeler, Jun., 
Thomas Wooding, 
Jacob Warner, X 
William Warner, 
Josiah Worsliburn, Jun., 
Henry Wooster, Jun. 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 57 

In a town meeting held Sept. 21st, 1795, it was voted that to facilitate 
the division of the town, Derby would divide its representation with Oxford, 
if set oft", each to have one representative. 

At the same meeting it was "voted unanimously that this Town (Derby) 
Remonstrate ag* the Petition of Thad'' Burr & his associates praying for 
leave to build a bridge over Ousatonnack River near Stratford ferry, and 
do hereby app* Mes''^ Leman Stone & John Howd our agents to Prefer a 
Remonstrance to the General Assembly & to prepare all Needful Evidence 
& Information to oppose Said Petition at the General Assembly." 

Small Pox continued to be subject of legislation, and Dec. 11th, 1797, it 
was voted that "tAventy-six persons and no more be granted liberty to receive 
the small pox, they to receive it by the evening of the 12th, and give bonds that 
they renuiin at the dwelling house of Mr. Benj. Davis in Derby and not depart 
the house until liberty be obtained from the authority and selectmen, and that 
the physician who inoculates them shall give bonds not to spread the small pox, 
and that the bonds be made payable to the selectmen, and that the selectmen 
and civil authority or their committee shall set limits to said house and have 
the superintending of the Physician and Patients, and that those who receive 
the small pox shall pay all expenses and save the town harmless." 

At this meeting Dr. Sanford of Chusetown, with Dr. Crafts, petitioned 
for liberty to "inoculate at some suitable place." At an adjourned meeting 
held Dec. 17th permission was given to inoculate in separate hospitals, under 
the restrictions before established. The hospital established by Dr. Sanford 
was on the hill a little north of Castle Rock, convenient of access from his 
house, which stood on the northwest corner of West and Church streets. 

In 1797 Rev. Michael Coate, circuit preacher, organized the Methodist 
Society, including in its membership Jesse Johnson, Isaac Baldwin, Esther 
Baldwin, Sarah Baldwin, Eunice Baldwin, George Clark, Lucy Hitchcock, 
Silas Johnson and Olive Johnson. Trinity church was built the same year. 
Vide page 25. 

In 1798 an attempt was made to get a more direct road from Chusetown 
to New Haven, the town of Derby opposing it and appointing a committee to 
"the General Court to oppose the granting of liberty to a turnpike company to 
make a road from New Haven to Rimmon Falls, near Mrs. Dayton's, unless 
the turnpike company will agree and become obliged to be at all the expense 
of purchasing, making and repairing said road," Notwithstanding this the 
arrangement was finally uuide, terminating at the lower bridge, then known 
as the bridge "at the falls of the Naugatuck" or Rimmon Falls. 

At first the road ran down what is now Pearl and Main streets, but in 
1802 purchases of land were made from Edmund Page, Lydia Keeney and 
Moses Riggs of a right of way direct to the bridge. The purchases were made 
by "Henry Daggett and Thomas Punderson of New Haven, and Levi Tom- 
linson of Chusetown, committee of the proprietors of the Turnpike Road from 
Thompson's Bridge in New Haven to the Falls Bridge in Chusetown." Page 
sold 45 rods of land 3 rods wide, 18 rods on the northeasterly line and 12 
rods on the southwesterly line; bounded southerly on highway, easterly on 
grantor's land, northwesterly on land deeded to said committee, and westerly on 
gi-autor's land. D. R. Vol. 16, p. 197. Lydia Keeney sold "a part of her home 
lot containing sixty rods, being three rods wide and about twenty-five rods in 
length, for the pui^pose of extending the turnpike road fi-om the highway be- 
tween the dwellinghouse and blacksmith shop of Edwin Page, in a direct line 
to the Falls Bridge, running angling through the land of s'^ Lydia in a direct 



58 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

line with the s*^ turnpike extendinor southerly of s*^ Bhicksmith Shoj)," for $70, 
Feb. 16th. D. E., Vol. IC, p. 198. 

On the 22nd of February Moses Riggs of Oxford sold to the same parties 
"about one acre and thirty-five rods on the east side of the Naugatuck river, 
running on the Southwesterly line a straight line from the northeast corner of 
said bridge to about two feet easterly of the noi'theast corner of Edmund Page's 
Blacksmith Shop, from said bridge about fifty rods to Lydia Keeuey's land, 
bounded southerly on said grantor's land then easterly on land, deeded by s'^ 
Keeney to the grantees and their associates, then northeasterly on the grantor's 
land, and is three rods wide where it leaves &*^ Keeney's land on the northerly 
line and on the top of the hill four rods wide, and four rods opposite said corner 
of said bridge, and is bounded northwesterly on highway. Said land is for the 
purpose of extending the Turnpike Road from the highway near s'^ Blacksmith 
shop to said Bridge, B. R., Vol. 16, p. 199. The names — Thompson's Bridge 
Turnpike and Rimmon Falls Turnpike, were both used to designate this road. 

These deeds make the old blacksmith shop, corner of Hill and Pearl streets, 
quite an important landmark. There was never any deed of the land, the 
shop having been built on "proprietors' land," *'. e. undivided land. When 
the right of location was questioned, it was defended on the ground of a vote 
of the town in 1798 which gave a title to any such laud occupied by buildings 
standing at that time, at the same time forbidding any farther unauthorized 
appropriation of the public lands. It was claimed that the blacksmith shop 
was there in 1798, and that the title was therefore good. To make sure that 
the building, or some portion of it should continue to mark the spot, the north 
side of the building was cut out and the stone wall built, and under such cir- 
cumstances it is probable that the exact location was preserved. 

In making the turnpike, the cut on Hill street, below Washington Avenue, 
was made in part by ponding the brook crossing the intersection of Hill and 
Pearl streets, and turning the water down the cut, carrying the sand and 
gravel into the river. 

In April 1798, John Riggs, Caleb Candee and Charles Bunnell on the 
part of the Parish of Oxford, and James Lewis, David Hitchcock and 
Canfield Gillett on the part of "the old town," as a joint committee, reported 
in addition to previous arrangements, that Oxford should pay £170 to the old 
town in three annual installments, as a condition of the division of the town. 

The Falls Bridge seems to have been a continued source of discussion and 
expense, either for repairs or rebuilding. In March, 1802, arrangements were 
commenced for building a new bridge, the expense to be borne principally by 
Oxford Turnpike Co. and Rimmon Turnpike Co., assisted by the town of Derby 
on condition that citizens of the town may pass toll free. A toll gate was to 
be put up at the end of the bridge. In this year John Wooster sold his third 
of the Falls property to Bradford Steel for $167, and Oct. 8th, 1803, Steel 
purchased of Nathan Styles his share of the Falls property and also a separate 
tract of land near by. Styles came from Southbury and married a daughter of 
Capt. Ebenezer Dayton. He had carried on business here a number of years 
previous to 1802. 

Bradford Steel had been carr}'ing on business at the mouth of Little 
River, having his fulling mill and dye shop at the foot of the hill, and his 
finishing shop at the top of the hill east of the church. He lived in the old 
house (still standing) until he sold it to Abiel Canfield. 

Up to this time the spinning wheel for flax and wool had been a neces- 
sary article in a well-ordered farm-house, and it was often accompanied by 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 59 

the baud loom, reel, and cards, — soon superceded by carding machines. 
Mothers and daughters were skilled in making stout and durable cloth, as 
well as in the preparation of woolen yarn for mittens and stockings. Plain- 
ness of apparel was the rule and garments which had cost so many days of 
tiresome labor by members of the household were not likely to be thrown by 
for trifles. Steel made no cloth. The cloth dressed and finished by him had 
been woven on baud looms in the homes of the industrious weavers. 

In 1803, Col. Uavid Humphreys, afterward known as General Ilumphreys, 
who was to be so closely identified with the interests of the place, came and 
purchased the Falls property, as appears by the deed in Derby liecords. Vol. 
17, page 30. The deed was given Dec. 13th and recites that "Col. David 
Humphreys, now of Boston, in the commonwealth of Massachusetts," purchased 
of Bradford Steel, Bradford Steel, Jr., and George Steel, for the sum of 
$2,647.92, ''one certain piece of land lying in said Derby at a place called 
Kimmon Falls, it being the same tract of land formerly deeded by John Howd 
and Joseph Chuse, Indians, to John Wooster, Ebenezer Kinney and Joseph 
Hull, Jr., as may appear on Derby Eecords ; for a particular description, refer 
to said Kecords; together with all the privileges, together with the saw mill, 
two fulling mills, clothiers shop, and all the utensils, implements, and apparatus 
belonging to and used in, and appendant and appurtenant in and to the said 
mills and clothier's shop standing on said land, together with the buildings 
thereon standing, together with the whole mill-dam across said Eimmon Falls." 

The merino sheep had been introduced into the country and their great 
superiority being immediately manifest, fanners were everywhere glad to 
avail themselves of the opportunity to improve their stock. Gen. Humph- 
reys did not encourage speculation but distributed his sheep judiciously among 
the farmers at $100 each, a price said to be less than the original cost. When 
the price rose to $400 he refused to sell, saying that he believed such sales 
would lead to ruinous speculation. But soon the price of merino bucks went 
up to $1,500 and a few were even sold as high as $3,000, and ewes sold from 
$1,000 to $1,500. John Bassett was ottered $1,000 by Philo Bassett for a 
full blooded merino ewe lamb eight days old and refused to take less than 
$1,500. A few days after it was killed by a fox. Two young farmers united 
in buying a buck at $1,500 and the same day it died by bemg choked 
with an apple. But such mishaps checked the speculation but little, and it 
rapidly extended throughout New England, Vermont in particular being 
quickly supplied with some of the merinos. 

Gen. Humphreys considered it of great importance to the interests of 
the country that manufactures, especially that of woolen cloths, should be 
introduced, and with the nucleus of the "mills and clothiers' shop" purchased 
of Styles he immediately set about it. In 180G he had the factory built w hich 
still stands on Factory street, near the race. On the fifth and sixth of June 
was raised the frame of the first woolen factory built in the United States. 

The name "Chusetown" appears on the towTi Records as late as 1804, but 
it was soon changed to Humpreysville in honor of Gen. Humphreys, and this 
name was retained until 1850. 

That he might the better carry out his plans Gen. Humphrey made several 
other purchases of land, among others the two following April 25, 1804. Of 
Nathan and Experience Wheeler, for $G0O, "one piece of land at a place called 
Northend, * * * lying on the west side of the highway, bounded northerly on 
John Swift's land, westerly on the Naugatuck River, southerly on land of 
Daniel Tucker, Jr., then easterly on s*^ Tucker's land, then southerly on s*^ 



GO SEYMOUE AND VICINITY. 

Tucker's lantl to the higliway, then bounded easterly on highway to said Swift's 
kind, containing about 117 acres, more or less; also one other piece of land, 
lying on the hill, bounded westerly on highway, northerly on land of Henry 
Wooster, Jr., then westerly on land of s'^ Wooster, then again northerly on 
land of s'^ Wooster, to the O'Cain land, then easterly on the O'Cain land, then 
again easterly on highway to land of Zephaniah Tucker, then southerly on s*^ 
Tucker's land, then again easterly on s*i Tucker's land, tlien running westerly 
to the highway, as the fence now stands, containing about thirty -tive acres of 
land, more or less, with the buildings belonging to s'^ pieces of land." 

Witnessed by John Humphreys, and John Humphreys, Jr. 

He also purchased of Nathan Wheler, a tract of 131 acres, adjoining 
lands of John Swift, Daniel Tucker, David Treat, Levi Hotchkiss, Fitch 
Smith, Capt. Reuben Tucker, "common laud," and highway, with another 
piece of eight acres, for the consideration of $4,500. 

Cattle, sheep and hogs still roamed at large on the common lands. One 
item of the record says : — "David Humphrey's ear mark is a square half 
penny the upper side the right ear. Entered May 15th, 1804. Per John 
Humphreys, Reg^'." 

A road from Shrub Oak to Derby Narrows was demanded by the people 
of Woodbury and adjoining towns, and laid out in 1805. The following 
resolution in regard to ii was passed June '11th, "Voted that the select- 
men of the town of Derby be directed, and they are hereby directed 
to take such measures as in their judgement shall appear most prudent 
and proper to procure the making of the Road they have lately laid out 
on the west side of Naugatuck River, from Shruboak to Derby Landing, and 
cause the same to be well made at the expense of said town, and they are 
directed to collect and apply to that use any or all the monies due to said 
Town as they may find themselves needful." 

President Dwight, of Yale College, wrote an interesting sketch of 
Humphreysville as he found it in the ftill of 1811, which is here given : 

"Within the limits of Derby, four miles and a half from the mouth of 
the Naugatuc, is a settlement named by the Legislature Humphrey sviUe, 
from the Hon. David Humphreys, formerly Minister Plenipotentiary at the 
Court of Madrid. At this place a ridge of rocks, twenty feet in height 
crosses the river, and forms a perfect dam about two thirds of the distance. 
The remaining third is closed by an artificial dam. The stream is so large as 
to furnish an abundance of water at all times for any works, which will proba- 
bly ever be erected on the spot. Those already existing are a grist-mill, a 
saw-mill, a paper-mill, woolen manufactory, and a cotton manufactory, with 
all their proper appendages, and a considerable number of other buildiugs, 
destined to be the residence of the manufacturers, and for various other 
pui-poses. 

A strong cun*ent of water in a channel, cut through the rock on the 
Eastern side, sets in motion all the machinery, employed in these buildings. 
By this current are moved the grist-mill -, two newly invented shearing ma- 
chines ; a breaker and finisher for carding sheep's wool ; a machine for making 
ravellings; two jennies for spinning sheep's wool, under the roof of the 
grist-mill; the works in the paper-mill ; a picker; two more carding machines 
for sheep's wool ; and a billy with forty spindles in a third building ; a full- 
ing-mill ; a saw-mill, employed to cut the square timber, boards, laths, &c., 
for the different edifices, and to shape many of the wooden materials for the 
machinery ; two more fulling-mills on improved principles, immediately 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. «il 

connected with the clothier's sliop ; and tlie various machinery in a cotton 
manufactory, a building about one hunih'ed feet h)ng, thirty-six wide, and of 
four stories, capable of containing two thousand sjjindles with all their neces- 
sary apparatus. 

The houses can accommodate with a comfortable residence about one 
hundred and lifty persons. Ten others in the neighbourhood will furnish 
comfortable residen<;es for upwards of one hundred and lifty more. Gardens 
on a Ix^aiitiful plat in tlu^ rear of the manufactories, furnish all the vegetables, 
necessary for the establishment. 

The institution contains four broad and eight narrow^ looms, and eighteen 
stocking-frames. 

The principal pait of the labour in attending the machinery, in the 
cotton and woolen manufactories, is done by w^omen and children ; the former 
hired at from fifty cents to one dollar per week ; the latter, apprentices, who 
are regularly instructed in reading, wi-iting, and arithmetic. 

The wages of the men are from five to twenty-one dollars, per month. 

In Europe great complaints have been made of manufacturing estab- 
lishments, as having been very commonly seats of vice, and disease. Gen- 
eral Humphreys began this, with a determination either to prevent these 
evils, or if this could not be done, to give up the design. With regard to 
the health of his people it is sufticient to observe, that from the year 1804 to 
the year 1810, not an individual, belonging to the institution, died ; and it is 
believed, that among no other equal number of persons there has been less 
disease. 

With respect to vice it may be remarked, that every person, who is dis- 
covered to be openly immoral, is discharged. 

At the commencement of the institution, discreet parents were reluctant 
to place their children in it, from unfavourable apprehensions concerning the 
tendency of such establishments. Since that time they have been offered in 
more than sufficient numbers. 

In 1813, the Legislature, at the instance of Gen. Humphreys, passed a 
law, constituting the select-men and magistracy of the several towns in which 
manufactories had been or should be established, visitors of these institutions. 
This law' required the proprietors to controul in a manner specified, the mor- 
als of all their workmen, and to educate the children, as other children in 
l)lain families throughout the State are educated. The visitors were directed 
to enquire annually, into the manner in which the proprietors conformed to 
this law. The reports of the visitors in Derby, concerning the establishment 
at Humphreysville, have beeu in a high degree honourable both to the pro- 
prietor and his people. 

The manufactures at Humphreysville are esteemed excellent. The best 
broadcloth made here, is considered as inferiour to none which is imported. 

Americans make all the machinery ;and have invented several kinds of 
machines, which are considered as superiour to such as, have been devised in 
Europe for the same purposes. 

Most of the weaving has been done in private families. 

The scenery at this spot is delightfully romantic. The Fall is a fine object. 
The river, the buildings belonging to the institution, the valley, the border- 
ing hills, fiirms, and houses, gi'oves, and forests, united, form a landscape, in 
a high degree interesting. 

The people of this country are, at least in my opinion, indebted not a 
little to Gen. Humphreys, both for erecting this manufacturing establishment, 



02 SEYMOUIi AND VICINITY. 

and for introducing into tlie United States tlie invaluable breed of Spanish 
sheep, known by the name of Merinos. One hundred of these animals he 
l)rocured to be brought by the connivance of the Spanish Court, from the 
interiour of Spain to Lisbon ; and thence transported, to Derby under his own 
eye. A few of them died in consequence of the voyage. The rest speedily 
regained their strength and ttesh, and from that time the breed, instead of 
declining, has sensibly improved. For some years strong prejudices existed 
in the minds of the farmers throughout our country against this breed of 
sheep. Gen. Humphreys has done more than any other man, perhaps than 
all others, to remove this prtyudice, and to spread them through the country. 

In this manufactory he has, I think, fairly established three points of 
great importance. One is, that these manufactures can be carried on with 
success ; another^ that the w^orkmen can be preserved in good health, as that, 
enjoyed by any other class of men in the country ; and the third, that the 
deterioration of morals in such institutions, which is often complained of, is 
not necessary, but incidental, not inherent in the institution itself, but the 
fault of the proprietor. 

Derby, then including Oxford, contained in 1756, 1,000 inhabitants ; in 
1774, 1,889 ; in 1790, 2,994. Derby alone contained in 1800, 1,878 inhabi- 
tants ; and, in 1810, 2,051." 



The employes of the works were mostly Americans, but it was necessary 
to send to England at great expense for men who were skilled in some branches 
of the work which were entirely new in this country. Among them were 
John Winterbottom, father of Mrs. Ann S. Stevens, and Thomas Gilyard, 
son of Edmund and Nancy Gilyard, born in Leeds, England, March 20, 1780. 
He came to New York in the "Commerce" in the summer of 1807, having had 
a very line passage of 45 days, and by packet to New Haven in three days sail, 
a quick trip tor those times. He immediately commenced work for Humphreys 
and worked for him until March 28th, 1810. In this year the manufacture 
of stockings was carried on here on a considerable scale. This was new work 
for Gilyard, but he soon learned it. He w'as an active member of the Methodist 
Society for many years. His very interesting journal has furnished many 
dates and incidents for these pages. 

In 1802 Canlield Gillett was appointed a eommittee to make application 
to the General Assembly for permission to sell the land near liimmon Falls 
still belonging to the Indians, (D. K., B. M. D., p. 419,) but the permission 
was not granted until 1810. The land was sold in 1812. Following is a copy 
of the deed to Gen. Humphreys. 

" WJiereas the Gencfral Assemhly at their Session in May, 1810, autliorized the Subsmhe)-, 
Joseph Rirjgs of Derhy, in New Haven County, to sell and convey certain lands lying in said 
JJerby, IJii)n2>reysfiUc, tlie jjrupvrty of rhilij), Ihntov and Mary, ando otlier certain Indian 
Proprietors, under the direction of tin judge of Probate for New Haren District, who has 
ordered the subscriber to 2>roceed in the sale thereof, now thereupon, in pursuaiance of said 
authority and in consideration of three hundred and forty-six dollars and twenty-five cents 
7-eceived to my full satisfaction of David Humphreys, Esq., of Derhy aforemid, I, the said 
Joseph Jiiygs, have remised, released and quiiclaimcd, and do by these presents remise, release 
and quitclaim to said Humphrey, his heirs and assigns forever, the following described two 
pieces oj land, part of said lands directed to be sold as aforesaid, one piece bounded southerly 
and easterly on highivays, northerly and westerly on said Humphreys'' land, the other piece 
southerly and westerly on highways, northerly on part of said Indian lands I have sold to 
Phebe Styles, and easterly on said Humphreys and said Styles, containing by estimation in 
both pieces six acres and one half, the whole lying easterly of said Humphrey's Factorys, and 
comprehending the whole Indian Land excepting those contained in the conveyance to said 



aEYMOUK AND VICINITY. «j;j 

PJiche Stih'fi, to have and to hold said remixed and qititdaimedjyremises to him, themtid Darid, 
hiH heirs and assigns forever, so that said Indians and no persons under them shall hereafter 
make claim to said remised premises, and I hereby covenant that I have full right to sell and 
convey in manner aforesaid. In testimony whereof I hare hereto set my hand and seal thislth 
day of Sept., 1812. /^-^n 

JOSEPH BIGGS \ SKAL J 

Signed, sealed and delivered New Haven County sfs. New Haven, Sept. 7, 1812, 

in presence of Personally appeared JOSEPH KIGliS, signer 

ELIZUK GOODHICH, and sealer of the foregonig instrument, and ac- 

BENJAMIN BULL. knowledged the same to be his free act and deed 

Kecorded March Uth 1813. before me. 

JOHN L. LOUNSBURY. ELIZUR GOODRICH, Assistant. 

Tlie land referred to in above deed as sold to Pliebe Stiles consisted of 2 
acres and 20 rods, "beginning five rods and three feet from the northwest corner 
of Col. Humphrey's new cellar, and running nortlierly by highway to Col. 
David Humphreys' land, thence easterly to said Phebe'sland, thence southerly 
Ity her lands to lands this day conveyed to said Humphreys, and thence by said 
land to place of beginning." 

From the following extracts from the town records it appears that another 
tract of land was purchased for the Indians with the proceeds of the above 
sales. "Whereas the General assembly, June 7th, 1813, authorized Joseph 
liiggs to sell certain lands the property of Philip, Moses, Hester, Frank and 
Mary Seymour, which lay in Derby and which descended to them from John 
Howder (Howd), an Indian, and to lay out the avails in other real estate," a 
tract of land Mas purchased "for $230 for and in behalf of said Moses, 
Hester and the children of said Mary Seymour, the said Mary being de- 
ceased," — four acres, three quarters and eleven rods bounded north on James 
Lewis, easterly and nortlierly on the lands of Isaac Short, and easterly on 
Isaac Thonipson, southerly on land of Peter Johnson, and westerly on high- 
way, "the children of said Mary Seymour (evidently Moses, Frank and Mary) 
to have one undivided third. To Phillip, Hester and representatives of said 
Mary, by Lewis and Betsey Prindle." Deed executed June loth, 1813. 

The War of 1812, calling for men and means from every section of the 
country, though it could but interrupt to some extent the progress of the 
peaceful arts, did not prevent a continued growth of the manufacturing in- 
dustries in Humi)hreysville. The busy hum of machinery and the sound of 
preparations for war were alike heard in our peaceful valley. A company of 
artillery was formed in Humphreysville, including a few fi-om Oxford, and 
sent to NTew London and stationed at the fort at the mouth of the river 
Thames. The following names of the members of the company have been 
obtained from inscriptions in our cemeteries and elderly people of the vicinity : 

Col. Ira Smith, died Nov. 19th, 1822, aged 44 years. 

Capt. Daniel Holbrook, d. Dec. 28th, 1828, sa 59. 

Capt. Amadeus Dibble, d. Sept. 25th, 1843, * G5. 

Anson Baldwin. 

Jesse Baldwin. 

Abel Bassett, d. March 23rd, 1863, a 78. 

Samuel Bassett, d. Sept. 28tb, 1851, '^^ 07. 

William Bassett. 

James Bowman. 

Lewis Broadwell, d. Sept. 0th, 1844, 33 53. 

Thomas Gilyard, d. Nov. 12th, 1853. 

Jesse Hartshorn. 

Chauncey Hatch, from Oxford. 



64 sp:ymour and vicinity. 

Daniel Ilolbrook, 2n(L 

William Kinney, tl. Jan. 7tli, 1847, se 87. 

Calvin Leavenworth, from Pines Bridge. 

Isaac Leavenworth. 

Isaac Losee. 

Theophilus Miles, Jr., d. March 15th, 1840, ae 70. 

John Moshier. 

Ebenezer Northrop, d. Jan. lltli, 1835, se 49. 

iSheldon Tucker, d. Jan. 5th, 1843, se 57. 

Isaac White, d. Feb. Gth, 1802, jb 72. 

Nathan Wooster. 

The company was completed by a draft and Samuel Canfield was one of 
those who were drafted. He was then apprentice to Elias Gilbert, a ma- 
chinist who worked in a shop which he had built near the corner of Hill and 
Pearl streets, next to the blacksmith shop, now occupied by William J. 
Roberts as a dwelling. Canfield was then eighteen years of age and had 
become so skillful a machinist that his employer, rather than lose his services, 
hired a substitute in his place. Gilbert did the machine work for Gen. 
Humphreys. William Humphreys, brother of Squire John Humphreys and 
nephew of Gen. Humphreys invented several useful machines to facilitate the 
nianufticture of broadcloth, and the machines were built by Gilbert. 

Gen. Humphreys was always ready to honor the memory of his brave 
coni-patriots. At a town meeting held April 12th, 1813, he introduced and 
the following resolutions, which were passed unanimously : 

Resolved, that Isaac Hull, Esq., a native of this towu. Captain in the Navy of 
the U. S., and lately Commander of their Frigate Constitution, with the aid of his 
gallant officers and ships company and the smiles of Providence, having led the van 
in the career of our naval glory, capturing his Britauic Majesty's Frigate Guerriere 
commanded by Captain Dacres, has in our opinion deserved vvell of his country and 
is an ornament to the place of his nativity. 

Resolved, that joining cordially in the universal applause, bestowed by our coun- 
trymen on Hull, Jones, Decatur, Bainbridge and Lawrence, and their brave and 
skillful associates in perils and triumphs, for their glorious naval achievements, we 
judge we have a right in our corporate capacity without showing an undue partiality 
to the first mentioned officer or stepi»ing aside from our municipal duties, to notice 
more particularly his exemplary merits from having better opportunities of becomiug 
acquainted with them. 

Resolved, that Messrs. John L. Tomliuson, William Humphreys and Pearl Crafts 
be a committee to collect and digest such distinguishing and illustrative facts on the 
subject matter now before us as maj^ be attainable and that they will cause the result 
to be communicated to the public iu such manner as they shall deem most proper. 

Resolved, that from the interruptiou of our Fisheries and navigation by war, 
silver and gold we have not, to ofter in costly demonstrations of respect and esteem in 
imitation of richer towns, yet what we have we freely give, to wit, a tribute of 
gratitude. 

Therefore, voted that Isaac Hull, Esq., being already constitutionally entitled to 
the freedom of this corporation, the thanks of this towu be presented to him in a box 
made of heart of oak, the congeuial growth of his native hills. 

Voted, that the committee take order from the Selectmen for the performance of 
this service and report their proceediugs to a future meeting for the express purpose 
that a town Record be made for the perpetual remembrauce of these trausactious. 

Voted, that the committee above named be directed to transmit to Capt. Hull a 
certified copy of the foregoing resolutions. 



SEYMOUE AND VICINITY. 



65 



While the fathers were intent on raising sheep the boys had their depart- 
ment in the new industry, and busied themselves to raise the teasels used in 
dressing the cloth. Gen. Humphreys organized the boys of the factory into a 
trainband, and furnished them with the articles necessary for drill. The silk 
flag, beautifully embroidered by Lady Humphreys, is now in the possession of 
Carlos French, Esq. The inscription is as follows: 

4^ J"^ ^A %C^^, 





( SHIELD ) 
(WITH Vim J 

Reverse : Semi-circle of 16 stars, "HUMPHREYS YILLE," eagle, 
arrows and state emblems. 

Gen. Humphreys died in 1818. His remains were interred in New 
Haven Cemetery. Upon the monument is the following inscription on two 
tablets of copper inserted in the pedestal : 

David Humphreys, LL. D. Acad. Scient. Philad. Mass. et Connect, et in Anglia Aquae Soils 
et Regiaj Societal, socius. PatriiB et libertatis amore accensus, juvenis vitam reipub. integram con- 
secravit. Patriam armis tuebatur, consiliis auxit, literis exornavit, apud exteras gentes concordia 

stabilivit. In bello gerendo masimi ducis Washington administer et adjutor; in exercitu patrio 

Chiliarchus ; in repubHca Connecticutensi, militum evocatorum imperator ; ad aulam Lusitau. et 
Hispan. legatus. Iberia reversus uatale solum vellere vere aureo ditavit. In Historia et Poesi 
scriptor eximius ; in artibus et scientiis excolendis, quiE vel decori vel usuni inserviunt, optimus ipse 
et patronus et exemplar. Omnibus demum officiis expletis, cursuq; vitaB feliciter peracto, fato 
cessit, Die xxi Februar. Anno Domini mdcccxtiii, cum anuos vixisset lxv. 

This may be rendered as follows : 

David Humphreys, Doctor of Laws, Member of the Academy of Science of Philadelphia, 
Massachusetts, and Connecticut; of the Bath [Agricultural] Society, and of the Royal Society of 

London. Fired with the love of country and of liberty, he consecrated his youth wholly to the 

service of the Republic, which he defended by his arms, aided by his counsels, adorned by his 
learning, and preserved in harmony with foreign nations. In the field, he was the companion and 
aid of the great Washington, a Colonel in the army of his country, and commander of the Veteran 
Volunteers of Connecticut. He went Ambassador to the courts of Portugal and Spain, and return- 
ing, enriched his native land with the true golden fleece. He was a distinguished Historian and 
Poet ; — a model and Patron of Science, and of the ornamental and useful arts. After a full dis- 
charge of every duty, and a life well spent, he died on the 21st day of February, 1818, aged 65 years. 



66 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

Mrs. Mills, the wife of the pastor of Faii-field, and sister of General 
Humphrey, died in 1815. When the British burned Fairfield, July 7th, 
1779, she fled on horseback, having put her best feather bed across the horse, 
and came to old Derby. The parsonage and the church in which her hus- 
band had preached were burned to the ground. She afterward had built for her 
the house in the rear of that now occupied by Dr. J. Kendall, and there re- 
mained until her death. 

The representation of Humphreysville on the opposite page is from a 
woodcut made either by Abial Canfield or by an English engraver in his 
employ, for use as a trade mark in the papermill, which may be distinguished 
in the woodcut by the water wheel outside the mill. Between the papermill 
and the dam was the gristmill, previously occupied by Nathan Stiles as a 
woolen mill. At the right of the papermill was the sawmill. The large 
building at the right of the sawmill was the woolen factory in which General 
Humphreys made the first broadcloth ever manufactured in the United States. 
At the right of the factory was the "Long House," built by General Humph- 
reys for dwellings for his employes. The building on the right and the 
smaller one adjoining were used by Gen. H. as an office and storehouse. The 
little building at the foot of the hill was a machine shop connected ^vith the 
woolen factory. The barn on the hill beyond the office spire belonged to 
Abel Bassett. 

There was a great revival in the fall and winter of 1816 among the 
Methodists. "Uncle Timothy" Hitchcock was one of the converts. Reuben 
Harris was in charge. He lived in the house with Stiles Johnson. The 
summer of 1816 was known as "the cold summer." There was frost 
every month in the year. In this year WorruU & Hudson sold out the 
papermill to Ebenezer Fisher and Henry LeForge. 

In 1817 the Congregational Society was organized. Vide page 9. In 
connection with the sale of the old church to the Methodists the following 
from the records is of interest : 

^'■Humphreysville, Oct. 31, 1817. At a meeting of the Brethren of the 
Methodist Society, convened at the house of Timothy HitchcocJc, for the 
purpose of transacting husiness for the benefit of sd. society, Voted that 
Robert Lees, Bezaleel Fech, Timothy HitchcocJc and Stiles Johnson be ap- 
pointed a Committee to arrange business with a committee appointed by tlie 
Cotigregationalists relative to the old Meeting House in Humphreys Ville. 

Robert Lees, Moderator. 

S!^27id, Voted, Neicel Johnson — Secretary. 

^P3r<?, Voted, Stiles Johnson, Bezaleel Peck, Robert Lees, Thomas 
Gilyard, Timothy Hitchcock, Trustees for the said Methodist Society.^' 

'■^Copy of the Heed of the old Presbyterian Meeting-house in Humph- 
reys Ville : 

To all people to tvhom these presents shall come, greeting : Know ye 
that we, Bradford Steele, Sarah Steels, William Kenney, Ira Smith, Phebe 
Stiles, & Philena Baldwin, of Derby in New Haven County, for the con- 
sideration of forty Dollars, rec^d to our full satisfaction of Stiles Johnson, 
Bezaleel Peek, Thomas Gilyard, Robert Lees and Timothy Hitchcock, do 
remise and release and forever quitclaim unto the said Johnson, Peck, 
Gilyard, Lees, and Hitchcock, for the use of the said Methodist Society, 
and unto their heirs and assigns forever, all the right, title and interest, 
claim & demand whatsoever, as ive the said releasors have or ought to have 
in or to one certain House in Humphreys Ville, adjoining the burying ground 



G8 SEYMOUR AN^D YIOIi^ITY. 

built for a Souse of Puhlic Worship, to have and to hold the said premises, 
icith all their appurtenances, unto the said Releasees & their heirs & 
Assigns forever, so that neither we the releasors, nor our heirs, nor any 
other person under us or them shall hereafter have any right or title in or to 
the premises or any part thereof, hut therefrom ice, and they are hy these 
presents forever debarred & secluded. 

In icitness whereof we have hereunto set our hands & seals this 22nd 
day of Sept^, Anno Domini, 1818. 

BRADFORD STEELE, [seal] 
SARAH STEELE, [sert/] 

IRA SMITH, [seal^ 

PHEBE STILES, [seal] 

W3L KENNEY, [seal^ 

FRILENA BALDWIN. Iseal] 

Signed, sealed & delivered in presence of John Humphreys, Jr., 

Fhebe Stiles, 
Elias Baldwin. 

New Haven Co. S. 8., Derby, Sept. 22, 1818, personally appeared 
B. S., S. S., I. S., F. S., W. K. & F. B., signers and sealers of the fore- 
going instrument, and achnoicledged the same to be their free act t]& deed 
before me. John Humphreys, Jun^r, Justice of the FeaceP 

In 1818, Stiles Jobuson gave by will to tbe Metbodist Society tbe ground 
on wbicb tbe cburcb stands, witb tbe green in front, also $334 in money, of 
whicb $134 was to be applied to repairs on tbe cburcb, tbe $200 to be kept 
as a perpetual fund, tbe interest only to be applied for tbe support of 
"regular Sabbatb preacbing." Following is a copy, of tbe clause of bis will 
making tbe bequest to tbe cburcb : 

2«d. — I iclU and bequeath to the Methodist Society in Humphreys Fille the land on 
ivhich the meeting house now stands, together rvith the Green in front of said House, to be in 
the care of the Trustees of mid house, for the benefit of said Society, and I also give three 
Hundred and thirty four dollars of my Estate to be applied to the support of the Methodist 
traveling Preachers as long as there shall be regular Sabbath preaching in the aforesaid 
Meeting House, which money shall be raised and paid out of my Estate as though it teas a 
Debt to the Trustees of said House and the Interest annually applied as aforesaid. But if it 
should be thought by the aforesaid Tnistees more for the benefit of said Society, they may 
apply any sum not exceeding one Hundred and thirty-four dollars to making further repairs 
on said House, and the remainder to be applied as aforesaid. But if the Traveling Connec- 
tion should neglect or refuse to supply said House as aforesaid then the Interest of said money 
shall be given to such local preachers as shall for the time being supply their place according 
to the discretion of the Trustees. 

In May, 1822, tbe Humpbreysville Manufacturing Company was incor- 
porated by act of tbe Legislature and organized witb a capital of 850,000. 
Jobn H. DeForest was tbe first president and J. Fisber Leaming, secretary. 
D. R., Vol. 22, p. 439. Tbe falls property was purcbased of Lewis Wain of 
Pbiladelpbia Aug. 1st, for $10,000 ; being described in D. R., Vol. 22, p. 
432, as follows : 

Beginning "a few rods north of the east abutment of the Eimmon Falls bridge, at the 
corner of the highway, thence bounded northerly on said DeForest, thence easterly and south- 
erly on said DeForest, thence easterly on highicay to Bladen^s Brook, thence northerly on 
Bladen's Brook to Naugatuck Eiver, thence on said River to the dam, including the tvhole of 
the dam and all the ivater privileges appertaining thereto, then bounded southerly on said 
Xaugatuck Eiver to a point where the highway strikes said river, thenee easterly on highway 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. m 

to sakijirtit mentioned hounds, with all the mills, manufactories, c)'- buildings xlandiny thereon, 
{one pieee of land — north of '^Promised Land" to Bladen's Brook,) » * * oy^. other 
2)iece of land on the west side of AMugatuek Rirer, opposite the mannfactorii, hounded west- 
erly on hiijhwaij, sontherhj on hiyhwai/ to the ehannel, where the stream sometimes crosses the 
road, then bounded easterly on said ehannel to the liimmon falls rock, thence rnninng on said 
Fall rocks, bounded easterly on said Xaugatuck River to the north side of the pathway leading 
from the rirer up the hill to the road hounded northeasterly on John, William and Elijah 
Humphreys' land, to the bars on the top of the hill at the highway, reserving a passway to the 
said John, William <f Elijah Humphreys' land .f- to the burying ground, * * * contain- 
ing about Sixteen acres, more or less, with the full, absolute 4" exclusive ivater privileges on 
loth sides the rirer," cfe. 

The (lam was soon rebuilt, tlie watercourse to the mills widened and 
cotton machinery put in. There was then one store in the valley and one on 
the hill near the Episcopal Church, DeForest lived at first in the Eoth house, 
on west side of south Main street, opposite Pearl street, till he built the house 
now occupied by Eavmond French, Esq., in which he lived until his death 
in 1839. 

The shop in the fork of the road near the M. E. Church was built in 
1825 by Newel Johnson, Isaac Kenney and Jesse Smith owning a portion of 
the building. The upper part of the building was used by Johnson for a 
carpenter and cabinet shop and what coffins were required in the village 
were nuide there. Newel Johnson built the houses of Denzel Hitchcock and 
others. Johnson's father lived in the house now occupied by Jeremiah Durand. 

In 1828, Samuel li. Hickox, a local preacher from Southbury, moved 
into Humphreysville and took charge of the grist mill near the falls. Rev. 
Amos Pettengill was the pastor of the Congregational church, Rev. Stephen 
Jewett of the Episcopal church, and Rev. A. H. Sanford of the Methodist 
church. In this year a bell was first procured for the l^piscopal church and 
a stove put up in the church. Previous to this, toot stoves were the only 
means of producing artificial warmth in the churches. About this time 
Judson English came from IJotchkisstown, now Westville, and bought out 
the tannery on the ])remises now owned by Arthur Rider, previously run by 
Benham. The bark mill was further south on the brook just below the rail- 
road crossing. About ten years later English sold out to George Kirtland 
and removed to (Treat Hill. The father of Judson was one of the early 
Methodists, and Judson was a class-leader when living in Hotchkisstown. 
Always a very hard working man and strictly temperate, few men could beat 
him in the field until he was nearly seventy years of age. He was always a 
working member of the church of his choice, and a trustee and steward of 
the Great Hill Society until his death. 

In 1830, Leveret Prit(thard was living on the knoll o})posite the saw-mill 
still stan<ling near the upper end of Maple street. Previous to that time he 
lived in the house in the rear of Dr. J. Kendall's. 

Chester Jones, a paper maker, built the north "Kirtland house," and 
kept a store in it. He afterward mo\'ed to Ohio, returning in a year or two, 
and was for several years superintendent of the Humphreysville Manufac- 
turing Co's Papermill, living in the house close by. His wife was a daughter 
of Dea. Bradford Steele. The house afterward owned by William Kinney, 
was built by Jones. He afterward moved to Erie and died there. Ezekiei 
Gilbert had kept a store below Squantuck on the river road, but about this 
time he came to Humphreysville and kept the tavern on Broad street about 
two years, when he built the store now kept by H. W. Randall. Moshier 



70 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

then moved back into tlie hotel and ocenpied it until his death. While Gilbert 
was in the hotel Moshier lived in Mrs. Bliss' house, corner of north Main 
and Day streets, and built the paper mill. 

In 1831, George Kirtland on behalf of the Methodist Society paid $110 
for the land for the parsonage, including the place now owned by Evan 
Llewellyn, corner of Pearl and Grand streets, and the lot on the opposite 
corner now owned by Edwin Smith, Grand street not having been opened 
until many years after. The parsonage was built the following year. 

The Humphreysville Manufacturing Co. commenced the work of paper- 
making in May with four employes, Chester Jones, Wm. Bates, Jane Patcheu 
and Lois Thomson; but increased the number during the month to sixteen. 

In 1832 business was prosperous and local industries remunerative. The 
Humphreysville Manufacturing Co. employed 18 hands and the IGth of April 
commenced running night and day, making pa])er for the New Haven 
Palladium and other papers. The mill produced not only news but tissue and 
colored papers. 

Bethany was incorporated as a town in this year, having previously been 
a parish of Woodbridge. 

At this time the store and house, corner of Pearl and Hill streets were 
occupied by David Sanford, and Lyman Smith kept the store across the road, 
in a building since removed. Sanford was called "Pitchfork Sanford." Years 
before he kept the blacksmith shop on the Woodbridge road, and one day in 
an altercation he killed a man with a pitchfork. Sanford was tried, branded 
and made to wear a cord around his neck the remainder of his life. 

Butter sold at fourteen cents a pound and oak wood at three dollars a 
cord. Factory girls paid $1.12^ per week for board. A horse and wagon 
could be hired to go to New Haven for one dollar. These were fair samples 
of the prices of those times and illustrate the comparative purchasing value of 
a dollar then and now. 

A "Caravan of W^ild Beasts" exhibited near Moshier's tavern, in the 
summer of 1834 and excited considerable interest, being probably the first 
exhibition of the kind which ever passed through the village. 

There was a great flood Jan. 31st, 1835, overtlowing the lowlands, but 
doing no great damage. May 4th was the annual training day and a general 
holiday in the village. 

The hard times of 1837, following years of prosperity and undue specu- 
lation, when the banks of New York and New Orleans alone failed to the 
amount of a hundred and fifty million of dollars, could but seriously atfect 
the fortunes of Humphreysville, though far less in proportion than larger 
places generally, which had launched more deeply into the tide of inflation. 
Most of the factories and shops continued their work, though compelled for a 
time by a lack of a reliable circulating medium to do business principally by 
barter. The Humphreysville Manufacturing Co. however reduced its em- 
ployes to seven, and May 0th stopped entirely until the 9th of October, and 
the Cotton Factory shut down and remained idle until January 10th, 1838. 

At this time there were three auger factories in the village, as follows : 

Kaymond French, Blueville, where Rubber factory now stands. 

Gilbert & Wooster, forges in Bennett VYooster's blacksmith shop, east 
of row of maples shown in cut on page 07, filing room in the south part of 
Gilbert's building on the corner of Main and Hill streets, and finishing room 
under the sawmill shown in cut of Humphreysville. 

Walter French, near house now occupied by Warren French. 

Wm. Burritt, now living in Waterbury, carried on the stove and tinware 



SEYMOUR AN13 VrCINlTY. 71 

business in the Lyman Smith Buihling, as successor to Burritt & Lewis, 
wliose store and shop was in the Wlieeler Buihling, at the foot of Falls Hill. 
The firm had been dissolved in the fall of 1830, Edward Lewis going to 
Birmingham, where he still continues in the same business. In the sjn'ing of 
]S.'39 Burritt removed to Norwalk. Henry Bradley was then leai'uing his 
trade with Burritt, and went with him to Norwalk to com])lete his engage- 
ment, returning a few years later to pursue the same business with J\L Brad- 
ley, now in Westville, under the firm name of H. & M. Bradley. 

The merchants of the place were — Ezekiel Gilbert, store adjoining his 
house, corner of Main and Hill streets; Wakeman & Stoddard, { Uri and 
Thomas,) store in Kinney's Building ; and Andrew DeEorest, store in the 
building now kept by Mr. liandall. Ezekiel Gilbert afterward sold out to 
Humphrey & Wooster. 

Jeremiah Coggswell, an Indian, was shot on Great Hill Jan. 30th, 1838, 
1)}' James Driver, in the house of the latter. From the evidence at the ex- 
amination held at Moshier's tavern three days after it appeared that Coggswell 
was drunk and quarrelsome, and was killed in self-defence. 

There was a gi*eat flood Jan. 7th, and considerable damage done to the 
paper-mill and other property. 

Baymond French's auger factory was burned on the night of the 15th 
of July, 1811, but with characteristic energy he soon rebuilt. 

Miles Culver built a house on the upper plains. He was a valuable 
memV)er of the Congregational Church and also opened his doors to the 
Methodist ministers, services being frequently held in his house by Revs. 
Oliver Sykes and Sylvester Smith. 

The Humphreysville Graveyard "Association was organized in 1842. 
Anything relatiug to the last resting places of so many of our deceased rela- 
tives and friends must always be an object of mournful interest and no apology 
is needed for copying here the concise preamble and articles of association 
from the Derby Records, Vol. 32, page 51. 

"Whereas, B. W. Smith, Samuel Bassett and 93 others formed an Asso- 
ciation for the purpose of establishing a Village Grave Yard, and through Clark 
Wooster, Joshua Kendall and^Vales French, a committee of trust, did purchase 
on the 2Gth day of Sept. 1842, one certain tract of land situated in Derby at 
Humphreysville bounded and described as follows, viz: W^esterly on highway, 
southerly on laud of Sarah Holbrook and John Lindley, easterly on the Nauga- 
tuck River, northerly on land of John Lindley, containing two and a half 
acres — now therefore for the well ordering of the affairs of said Association, 
and acting under the original articles of agreement, and in accordance with 
an act of the General Assembly of this state entitled an act concerning Bury- 
ing Grounds and ])laces of Se])ulture, approved June 2, 1842, do for ourselves 
and successors form a body politic and corporate under the following articles 
of Association, viz: — 

Art. 1st. This Association shall be called and known by the name of the 
Humphreysville Grave Yard Association. 

Art. 2nd. The tract of Land described in the foregoing preamble is hereby 
appropriated to be forever used and occupied as a graveyard, and for no other 
purpose, and each original proprietor thereof in consideration of three dollars 
paid by him or her shall be entitled to one family lot in said Grave Yard 12 
by 21 feet, and the sui-plus of ground shall be held in common by this 
Association and may be disposed of in such manner as the Association shall 
fiom time to time direct. 



72 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

Art. 3rd. No Proprietor shall at any f)ne and the same time hold in his 
own right more than live family lots in s'^ Grave Yard. 

Art. 4th. This Association shall at any meeting called for that purpose 
have power to lay taxes and order the collection thereof for the purpose of 
defraying all needful expenses for repairs and improvements, provided that 
each proprietor shall he taxed according to his right title and interest in said 
Grave Yard. B. W. Smith, 

Samuel Bassett, 
Humphreysville, Dec. 14th, 1842. BuRiTT Hitchcock. 

Curtis, Randall, who died Oct. 2nd, 1842, was the first to be buried in 
the new grave yard. 

The Humphreysville Manufacturing Co. sold their paper-mill to Hodge 
& Co. Aug. 17th, 1843. The firm consisted of G. L. Hodge, S. Y. Beach 
and Samuel Roselle. Rev. Moses Blydenburg, pastor of the M. E. Church, 
lived on Great Hill, the Great Hill M. E. Church being then in a prosperous 
condition. The son of this zealous laborer in his Master's vineyard is now a 
prosperous lawyer in New Haven. 

In '42 and '43 Anson G. Phelps and others talked of building a dam at 
Bryant's Plain and taking the water on the west side to Birmingham. Parties 
along the line of the proposed canal generally were willing to sell at fair 
prices, but one, a Mr. Booth, who owned considerable land in the proposed 
line, demanded such an exhorbitant price that the project was dropped for 
the time. Mr. Phelps, however, made considerable purchases on the east 
side of the river in and above what is now Ansonia, evidently preparing in a 
very quiet way for the execution of some important undertaking which he 
was not fully prepared to announce. 

In 1844, Raymond French, John Dwight and Timothy Dwight, under 
the firm name of Raymond French & Co., were manufacturing augers, 
chisels, plane irons, &c., in their mill at Blueville, and finding their business 
increasing beyond the capacity of the mill, they put up additional machinery 
in the building at the mouth of Little River. Looking about for increased 
facilities Mr. French went to "Kinney town" and called on Sheldon Church, 
who owned considerable land along the river, and together they rowed up and 
down the stream, noticing the surroundings and capacity of the stream. 
Returning down the stream he noticed a ledge of rocks in the bed of the river. 
Stepping out of the boat into the water, whidi, was perhaps three feet in depth, 
he walked across, to ascertain the extent of the ledge. Finding it aftbrded a 
rock bottom nearly the whole width of the stream he immediately determined 
that he would build a dam there. Mr. F. immediately bought a large tract 
of land on both sides of the river and work commenced without delay, to the 
great surprise of the people in the village below, who thus saw the fruit plucked 
while they were talking about it. In a few days Mr. Phelps came up and in 
his blandest manner congratulated Mr. French On his enterprise, and wished 
him success. After that not a week elapsed during the building of the dam 
but that Mr. Phelps came up to note the progress made. As the work pro- 
gressed Mr. French found that the rock extended the whole width of the 
river, making a sure foundation ready for the superstructure. The bend at 
the west end was made to follow a turn of the rock. When the dam neared 
completion Mr. Phelps claimed a portion of the power on the ground of his 
owning so much land on either side where there was a fall below the dam. 
Mr. F. had however acquired sufficint land on the west side, as he supposed, 
to answer his purpose, either by actual deed or promise. Capt. Philo Holbrook 



1844-7] 8EYMOUR AN1> VICINITY. T.i 

had not yet givcui a deed, and prubably witliout thinking of the effect, 
was indnced to sell to Mr. Fheli)s for a trifling sum the right to flow a smalt 
stream back on his land. Mr. F. hearing of this went below Ilolbrook and 
made a purchase of William Church, from the river to the hill, and Phelps 
was checkmated. The result was that Phelps hnally purchased the dam 
and appurtenances Dec. 5th, 1844, (D. R., Vol. 32, p. 5.3-55,) and R.French 
& Co. built the brick shops on the west side of Main street. 

William Buffum purchased the cotton mill from the Humplireysville 
Manufacturing Co. July 1st, 1S45, for $12,000 and the payment of $300 
annually. The purchase included land 100 by 132 feet, being 50 feet on the 
front and rear, and 10 feet at each end of the mill, "with sufficient water to 
drive the water wheel in a reasonable manner for the purjjose of propelling 
machinery to an amount suitable to the capacity of the wheel, using the 
water advantageously and economically," &c. 1). R., Vol. 32, i». iKS. He 
carried on the business until R. French & Co. sold their mill in Blueville to 
DeForest & Hodge, Oct, 31st, 1845, for $5,000. D. R., Vol. 33, p. 87. 
Portions of this property had been purchased by French & Upson of J. C. 
Wheeler, Nov. 21st, 1839, and Nov. 12th, 1840 ; and of P>assett & Smith 
Oct. 27th, 1843. 

Some of the tradesmen of the \)\iice were — Robert J. Abbott, Apothecar) 
and Druggist; David B. Clark, tavernkeepeer; John S. Moshier, tavern- 
keeper; Harrison Tomlinson, general country store; Ransom Tomlinson, 
dealer in meat, &c. 

The first number of the Derby Journal appeared Dec. 25th, 1840, and 
contained the following appeal to the people of the Naugatuck Valley to aid 
in the construction of the Naugatuck railroad. 

"The New York and New Haven Railroad Co. liave contracted for the construction of their 
road, which is to be completed within the coming year. 

This road will cross the Ilousatonic river a short distance above the present Washington Bridge, 
and from this point to Waterbury is probably from 25 to 28 miles. By following the Valley of the 
Naugatuck from Waterbury, or some point above, to where that stream unites with the Ilousatonic, 
and thence en the bank of that river to where the line intersects the New York road, a very easy 
grade would be obtained, and at a very moderate expenditure. An act of incorporation for this road 
was obtained iu 1815, with power to commence at Plymouth or Waterbury, and to terminate at New 
Haven, Milford or Bridgeport, after passing through Derby. 

* ^ * * Much umre might be said of the wants of the Naugatuck Valley, as well as of its 
resources, its busmess, its large amount of yet unused water-power, and its enterprise, but my present 
object is to direct attention to the subject, hoping that those more conversant with it will engager iu 
the cause, and especially our northern friends." Humphreysville responded by subscribing $-10,000. 

The Mexican War created quite an excitement here and the Humph- 
reysville Greys volunteered their services to the government to aid Gen. 
Taylor. The official document to muster them into service was received on 
the evening of Jan. 27th and read in the armory of the Humphreysville 
Greys, amidst much enthusiasm. The principal officers of the company werc^ 
G. W. Divine, Captain ; Charles W. Storrs, 1st Lieutenant ; Wilson AVyaut, 
2nd Lieutenant ; W. W. Smith, Orderly Sergeant. The annory was over 
Ezfdiiel Gilbert's store and Mr. Gilbert came out and said, — "Zach. was 
Avhipped at one time, but he didn't know it and went on and contjuered, and 
he will be our next president." And he was, but for some reason the com- 
pany did not go to Mexico, Capt. Divine had served in the Florida Win, 
and Capts. ^\\vant and Smith afterward did efficient service in the war of the 
rebellion. Clark Ford, now a resident of Seymour, was in the 0th Ne\\ 
England Regiment, (Thomas H. Seymour, Col.) and is said to have pulled dow n 
the Mexican colors at Chapultepec. George N, Shelton, who was for many 
years a resident of Seymour and engaged in various enterprises here, was 



74 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. [1847 

appointed Adjutant General by the Governor in May, 1847. Ransom Gay- 
lord, a lawyer from Massachusetts, who had been teaching the Shrub Oak 
school, went to Waterbury and there enlisted as a private. 

The Congregational Church was commenced in 184G, (vide, page 13,) 
and dedicated April 20th, 1847. 

Daniel White represented Humphreysville this year in the board of 
selectmen of the town of Derby. 

There were three heavy freshets in the spring of 1847, viz: Feb. 3rd 
and 8th, and March 20th. 

The firm of French, Swift & Co. was formed in 1847, and April 5th, 
they bought the property on Little River, now owned by Henry B. Beecher, 
of James L. Spencer for $1,800. The firm consisted of Warren French, 
Charles Swift, John F. Marshall, Lemuel Bliss, H. B. Beecher and H. A. 
Radford, who were spoken of as the "six partners." A farther purchase was 
made from Clark Wooster Dec. 17tli. 

A union Sunday school celebration of the Congregational, Episcopal and 
Methodist churches was held the first Thursday in September. The West- 
ville and Bethany Sunday schools were also invited and a grand holiday was 
the result. 

The upper dam was commenced this year by French & Dwight, and the 
west abutment and wall were built. 

The works of French, Swift & Co. caught fire Dec. Oth, in the finishing 
room, and the flames spread rapidly but were subdued after considerable dam- 
age had been done. 

Albert J. Steele sold his furniture and undertaking business Dec. 20th, 
1847, to Johnson & Bassett, David Johnson selling out to E, F. Bassett a 
year later. The salesroom was in the building in the south angle of Main 
and Hill streets, with a shop on the west side of Hill street, a little above, 
and another with power in the rear of the sawmill, near the falls. Five 
years later Mr. Bassett put up the building on the east side of Hill street for 
a shop and salesroom. 

Phonography and phonotopy was taught by Charles Randall and the 
study was quite popular among the young folks. 

Among the members of the Humphreysville Lyceum which met in the 
basement of the Congregational Church in the winter of 1847-8, was Dr. 
Yale, a botanic physician, who went to California in the time of the gold 
excitement, and died there. The name of the Lyceum was changed to the 
Humphreysville Literaiy Association. Luzon P. Morris was the president. 
Among the leading members were J. Kendall, John W. Storrs, John L. 
Daniels, Clement A. Sargent, George W. Divine and Henry Russell. 

The cornerstone of the M. E. Church was laid June 19tli, 1847, and the 
church was dedicated Jan. 18th, 1848. The following description of the 
church was published in the Derby Journal of Feb. 3rd : 

The bouse is Gothic in design, 40 by 00 feet in dimonsious, with a basement al- 
most entirely above ground containing a commodious lecture-room and two class- 
rooms. It Las an excellent toned bell of 1,150 pounds weight. The slips, the ceiling, 
the altar and the galleries are grained; the scrolls on the slips are of black walnut. 
The base on the pulpit is painted in imitation of Egyptian marble, and the pulpit 
Sienna marble. The walls, above and below, are frescoed. The ascent from the base- 
ment to the vestibule, and from thence to the galleries, is by a spiral stairs in the 
steeple and turret. The windows in front, as also those in the steeple and turret, are 
of stained glass. The sofa, chairs and table, together with the columns for the pulpit 



1847] SEYMOUll AND VICINITY. 75 

lamps are of black walnut. The cost of the building is about five thousand dollars. 
In the afternoon of the day of dedication the slips were rented, and the Trustees will 
realize about $(500 therefrom. 

Mr. Hotchkiss, of Birmingham, was the architect ; and he is justly deserving of 
credit for the plan of the building — the proper proportion and beautiful symmetry of 
which, favorably impress almost every beholder. The writer of this is authorized to 
say that the building committee and trustees ef the church take great pleasure in 
giving publicity to the feeling of entire satisfaction which they entertain in reference 
to those who have been employed in erecting the house — by the manner in which 
they have acquitted themselves. 

To the Builder, Mr. Amos Hino, of Woodbridge, who has shown himself to bo 
both competent and faithful. While engaged in the construction of the house, ho 
has apparently identilied himself with the interests of those by whom he was employed. 

To the Masons, Mr. Jerry Bassett and Mr. Isaac Davis, both of this village, the 
former for the neat and substantial wall of the basement, together with the steps, 
both of which are pronounced second to none in this region ; the latter, who has done 
himself great credit by the manner in which the walls wore linished, in the plastering 
and frescoing, above and below. 

To the Painter, Mr. Martin, also of this village, who in the external painting and 
sanding of the house, together with the internal work, has shown himself master of 
his business. — The work upon the pulpit was done at his own suggestion and expense, 
and is considered to be in excellent taste, presenting a beautiful contrast with the 
base, as well as the other parts of the house. 

The trustees and members of the church take great pleasure in acknowledging 
the donation of the beautiful black walnut table, valued at twenty-six dollars, pre- 
sented by Mr. Albert J. Steele, of this village, the workmanship of Mr. David John- 
son, also of this village. 

Great praise is also due to the ladies connected with the "Female Aid Society" 
of this church, and others who have assisted in the work, for the neat and tasteful 
manner in which they have furnished the church. — The carpets, the trimmings of the 
pulpit, the sofa, the chairs for the altar; together with the lamps, are the result of 
their labors, and speak much for their zeal and diligence in the cause. 

While the members connected with this church congratulate themselves in 
having by the good hand of God, so comfortable a place in which to worship the God 
of their fathers, they are not insensible to the feeling of kindness and good will which 
has iirompted members of the sister church to lend a helping hand in this enterprise. 
May the good Lord reward them an hundred fold, in spiritual blessings. C. S. 

The strip of land west of the church, now surrounded by rows of ehns 
and maples, was deeded to the Society, Oct. 31st, 1S4H, by Rev. Sylvester 
Smith. D. K., Vol. 35, page 215. 

^^ Commencing at a point on the line of the highway at the corner of the land this day 
deeded to Medad K. Tucker, and running easterly on sd highway line 3^^% rods to the line of 
this grantee, thence southerly on sd grante(^» line l^j^% rods to a point on Bennett Wooster's 
line close hy a maple tree, thence running the south side of sd tree on sd Bennett Wooster's 
line '.ly^j rods, thence northa-ly on Medad K. Tuckei-^s line to the place of beginning, said last 
mentioned line being I^yuh rods, containing aw area of 43 rods, hereby saving and reserving 
to myself the fee simple of sd land after the sd church shall fail to sustain a meeting house 
ivhere their house note stands, hereby only granting the use of sd land to sd church so long as 
the same shall remain in the cotitrol and direction of the trustees of sd church during the 
time aforesaid solely for the accommodation of the Methodist E. Society of HumphrcysviUe 
and when the sd Society ceases to maintain sd church in the place where it noiv stands, then 
sd land is to rerert to this Grantor, his heirs and assigns." 



76 SEYMOUK A:ND VIUmiTY. [1847 

The subject of temperance was prominent at tliis time and the Humpli- 
reysville Total Abstinence Society had been organized for the purpose of 
holding temperance meetings and in various ways advancing the temperance 
cause. Mr. Isaac Losee, Sen., was the President of the Society in 1847. 
There were at this time five liquor-selling establishments in the place. In 
April of this year the officers of the Total Abstinence Society were John L. 
Daniels, President ; Joshua Kendall and Julms Bassett, Vice-presidents ; 
John W. Storrs, Secretary and Treasurer ; William Tuthill, James L. Spen- 
cer and Charles Swift, Standing Committee. 

The other Temperance Association, Rock Spring Division, No. 12, S. of 
T., was in a flourishing condition. In January its officers were : — John W. 
Storrs, W. P. ; Daniel I. Putnam, W. A. ; William W^ Steele, li. S. ; John 
Adams, A. R. S. ; William B. Curtiss, F. S. ; James A. Stephens, C, ; 
David Tucker, A. C. ; Charles Swift, I. S. ; Perrv Cadwell, O. S. In the 
tall they were— John W. Storrs, P. W. P. ; D. J. Putnam, W. P. ; J. A. 
Stevens, W. A. ; John Adams, R. S. ; James L. Spencer, A. R. S. ; W. B. 
Curtiss, r. S. ; Wilson Wyant, T. ; David Tucker, C. ; Austin R. Pardee, 
A. C. ; Wilson Hendryx, I. S. ; Edwin Wheeler, O. S. 

The New Haven Courier in February contained the following in regard 
to the proposed Naugatuck Railroad, the building of which was commenced 
in April : 

No business man can doubt but that the trade of 20 or 30,000 people is worth 
obtaining, or that it would bo desirable to have this city a depot for the five millions 
worth of manufactured goods annually produced in that region. But the present 
trade of that vallej' is nothing, absolutely hothing, to what ii will, aud must, be when 
communication is opeued by means of a railroad. We have the authority of the State 
Surveyor for saying, that the facilities for manufacturing on the Naugatuck are 
greater than on any other stream in the State, and these fiicilities are not as yet half 
or quarter improved. Besides the Naugatuck, there is an unimproved power on the 
Ilousatonic, at Birmingham, more than twice as great as all the power at Lowell, and 
capitalists already have their eyes upon this, and it will be improved. 

The Saturday before May 25th, there was a tremendous hailstorm ac- 
companied by terrific thunder and lightning and torrents of rain. The ground 
was literally covered with hailstones, many of which were as large as pigeons 
eggs. As described by a writer of the scene, "It seemed for a few moments 
as if all Iceland had been broken up and was being showered down on our 
devoted heads." One horse was so frightened that he ran, throwing out its 
driver, who was seriously injured. Other horses were so stupefied with fear 
that it was with great difficulty that their drivers could urge them to places 
of shelter. 

Leverett Pritchard died June 4th, in the 83rd year of his age. He had 
"been an inhabitant of the town from his infancy, and his character ever 
remained unspotted, so nmch so that his morality had become proverbial. 
From his door the friendless were never spurned, and from his bounty the 
hungry were fed and the naked clothed. In him the needy and destitute 
found a friend." — (Derby Journal.) 

The Thursday before June 15th two men were covered by a landslide 
about a mile above the village, where workmen were engaged in making ex- 
cavations for the railroad. One of them was not found until life was extinct. 
The railroad bridge across the Naugatuck was built under contract by Dwight 
& French. 

The new hall of Rock Spring Division, at the west end of the Nauga- 
tuck Bridge, was dedicated on the Friday evening before the ICth of October. 



1S4S-49] SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 77 

Georiie AV. BuiiiTiiv was the principal speaker and a poem was read hv John 
W. Storrs. 

On Tuesday eA'ening, Aug. 1st, 1848, Goiigh made a powerful temjier- 
ance speech in the M. E. Church, and on Monday and Wednesday evenings 
of the same week he lectured in the Congregational Church. 

The telegraph came following close upon the railroad, and in November 
was in ojjcration. 

In this year Mr. Hyde from Oxford, N. Y., called to see his native 
l)lace after an absence of thirty-four years. His father had been drowned in 
tile Ilousatonic Kiver. His motirer was buried in the Methodist cemetery. 
His brother Abijah Hyde was then living in Quaker Farms. Orson Hyde, 
th(^ Mormon, was a brother of these. Tlie old homestead was in the corner 
<tf the lot opi)osite Cedar Ridge school house, now owned by Judge Muns(jn. 
The Hydes were remarkable for their good memories. Abijah and his brother 
from York state were Methodists, and the Y^ork state num has sons who ha\e 
been noted as scholars in the M, E. Church. 

A young man named Pitt was killed Nov. 11th, 1848, near the P.ell 
school house, by the bursting of a cannon which was being tired in honor of 
the election of General Taylor to the presidency. 

Most of the maples near the M. E. Church were set out Oct. 28th, 1848, 
by Rev. Sylvester Smith and his son. Two had been set out on the west side 
of the church some years before by Alva Davis. 

Ijewis liunce lost about $4,000 by the burning of his papermill, Dec. 2.S, 
1848. Stock to the amount of |G75 was saved and he received $1,3L'5 
insurance. 

The Rimmon ])a])er Co. seems then to have been organized, as the D. 
H., \o\. 32, page 300, under date of Jan. 27th, 1849, refers to machinery of 
the mill which was destroyed by tii-e and states that the Company has a paid 
in capital of $5,100. The stock was taken as follows : Andrew W. DeForest, 
00 shares; Burritt Hitchcock, 66 shares; Eli Hayes, 36 shares; Horace 
Riley, 12 shares ; James H. Bidwell, 30 shares ; James Wallace, 20 shares ; 
A. W. DeForest, Agt., 10 shares; total, 240 shares. Burritt Hitchcock, 
president ; A. W. DeForest, secretary. Bunce continued in charge of the 
mill which was located near the month of Little River, where the Douglass 
Manutacturing Co's lower shop now is. 

The establishment of Hum]>hreysville Academy is best recorded by 
<|U(iting from the prospectus issued at the time. 

HUMPHREY^SVILLE ACADEMY, 

HUMPHREYSVILLE. CONN., 
OEOKGE B. GLENDINING, A. M.. ani> MRS. NANCY H. GLENDINING, 1'rikcipals. 

TLe selec-lioii of Huiiiplirey.sville for au Acatleinic Institution, lias been made not more witL 
refeiotiCe to the place itself than to a wide tract of the surrounding country, for wliieh there have 
feiiied to he educational deniaixis. 

Located in the ronianlic valley of the Naugatuck, Huniphreysville is pec\iliarly healthy; 
and distant only ten rniles from New Haven, sixteen from Bridgeport, and eighty from New York — 
\\ iih all of which places it is connected by a railroad soon to be in operation, it is most easily accessiijle. 

For the youth of the place and the country around it, a higher institution of learidng has ap- 
peared to be needed; at the same time regard has i)een had youth of the cities, for whom there may 
be here furnished, in connection with educational facilities at the most moderate rates, the safest 
guarantees for health and morals. The course of instruction to be pursued in Academy is designed to 
meet the wants of pupils of both sexes, and of various ages and destination. Whatever the pupils 
-hall profess to leuvu they will be required lu liurn Ihoroughly — superficial attainments being 



78 SEYMOUK AND VICINITY. [1849 

regarded as of little worth. * * * Instruction will be given in all the branches of an English 
education; in the Classics — Latin and Greek ; in French and Music. * * * 

The Principals trust to the fruits of their labors so to commend them as to gain for their 
Academy an extended patronage. At their commencement they offer their qualifications, experience 
in teaching and devotion to the work, as pledges to satisfy such as may commit pupils to their charge. 
In addition they may refer to the Rev. W. F. Walker, Rector of Union Church, Ilumphreysville, 
who has known them for many years in their office as teachers; to the principal inhabitants of Troy, 
N. Y., where for nine years they taught successfully; to the trustees of Cayuga Academy, Aurora, 
New York, of which Mr. G. was more than two years Principal; to Professor Mills of New York 
city, and to Professor Berteau of Brooklyn, L. I., in whose institution Mr. G. was more than two 
years professor of Belles Lettres. Humplireysville, Feb. 22nd, 1849. 

Speaking of Glenclining's Academy the Derby Journal said, "The 
natural and picturesque scenery Avitli which Ilumphreysville abounds, and the 
quietness of the village, render it exceedingly well adapted for the location 
of an institution of the kind." 

The new comers were immediately received with favor. In May the 
Academy had already forty-seven pupils. 

Butfum's Cotton Factory took lire Feb. 22nd, but the flames were suj)- 
pressed before juiy great damage was done. Loss about $200. Insured. A 
portable tire engine which was kept in the building was made to render good 
service, the water being carried from the "canal" to the reservoir of the engine 
in pails and then forced in a stream against the building. 

In March Nathan White made an engi'aving of the village, which was 
spoken of by the Derby Journal as "very prettily gotten up and giving an 
accurate idea of the place." 

There were in operation one cotton factory, three paper mills, French & 
Dwight's large establishment for the manufacture of augers, plane irons and 
other edge tools; also three other auger factories and one ax factory. 
A large building was being erected for the construction of cars. 

Thursday evening. Mar. 15th, about 9 o'clock, French & Dwight's ma- 
chine shop was found to be on lire and was burned with all its contents. The 
shop was an old wooden one and was well stocked with tools, patterns, &c. 
Loss from $2,000 to $3,000. It stood on the east side of the canal where is 
now the tinning shop of the N. H. Copper Co. 

John J. liider was licensed as taverner and all licenses to sell spirituous 
liquors were refused. .lacob Carter lectured on temperance Feb. 12th. 
Julius Bassett sailed for California Jan. 23rd. 

Joshua Kendall, D. G. W. P., installed the officers of Rock Spring Di- 
vision Jan. 13th, as follows : William B. Curtiss, W. P. ; John Adams, 
W. A. ; John W. Storrs, R. S. ; William Hughes, A. It. S. ; Edward F. 
Bassett, F. S. ; Henry Patterson, C. ; Alonzo T. Smith, A. C. ; Edward 
Hotchkiss, I. S. ; E. Gainsby, O. S. 

In April, Joshua Kendall was elected representative for the town of Derby. 

The first locomotive came to Humplireysville on Thursday afternoon, 
May lOtli, 1849; and the first passenger train on the following Monday, 
May, 14th. 

Wilson Weston had his left hand and arm severely mangled June 28th, 
by the shears for cutting iron and steel, in the works of the Humphreysville 
Manufacturing Co. 

The Kimmon dam was commenced this summer by Dwight & French. 

The society of the "Daughters of Temperance" was instituted in August. 

Friday, Dec. 14tli, William B. Watson's horse was killed by a loco- 
motive and his stage broken up. 



1849-50] SEYMOUJi AND VICINITY. 79 

In June tlie small pox was prevalent in Blueville, the dreailed disease 
having been brought in rags to the paperniill. 

Village Directory in 1849, 

Alopathic Physicians, Joshua Kendall, S. C. Johnson, Thomas Stoddard. 

Attorney, 11. B. Munson. 

Augers and hit manufacturers, D\Aight & rrenoh ; French, Swift & 
Co. ; and Hiram Upson. 

Ax manufacturer, Clark Wooster. 

Boot and shoe dealer, William Hull. 

Botanic Physician, J. D. A. Yale. 

Clergymen, Congregational, William I>. Curtiss ; Episcopal, William F. 
Walker; Slethodist, Charles Stearns; Baptist, William Dennison. 

Cotton manufacturers, William Butlum, shirtings, 500,000 }ds. yearly, 
consuming fifty tons of cotton, and running 54 looms. Forty-one persons 
employed. Sherman & Beardsley were manufacturing stocking yarn, batting 
twine and carj)et warp. 

Druggists, James Davis, Robert J. Abbott. 

Furniture manufacturers and dealers, Johnson &; Bassett. 

Harness maker, Isaac N. Martin. 

Justice of the Peace, Albert J. Steele. 

John Moshier kept the only livery stable, in connection with the tavern. 

Merchants, Lyman Smith, Lucius Blacknian, Downs & Sanford, Harri- 
son Tomlinson, Elias Hotchkiss, Humphrey & Wooster, Tuttle & Bassett, 
and Lucius Tuttle. 

Paper makers, DeForest & Hodge, manufactured 480,000 lbs. printing 
j)aper yearly ; Lewis Bunco, manufactured printing paper, clothiers' boards 
and press pa])er; Smith & Bassett, manufactured wrapping, straw and 
button boards. 

ASto.ve and tinicare dealers, E. Lewis & Co. 

Tailors, J. A. Stevens, Charles W. Storrs. 

The Humphreysville Copper Co. was organized in 1849 with a capital 
stock of $40,000. The first issue of stock was forty shares to S. C. Johnson, 
.Jan. 23rd. The proposal to establisli a coppermill here was first made by 
Isaac Nathans to Raymond French. Mr, F. went to New York and made 
inijuiries in regard to the nuinufacture of (;opper, prices of stock and manu- 
factured goods, (?tc,, and becoming satisfied that the business was then a 
l)rofitable one, returned and organized the company. J, W. J3wight was the 
first i)resident of the company. The directors, Feb, 8th, were — Raymond 
French, Harrison Tomlinson, George Rice and Sheldon Kinney. D. R., 
Vol. 32, page 309. 

In the spring of 1850 there was quite an exciting time over the election. 
The postmaster, Mr, Lum, had recently died and Rev. Samuel Ilickox was 
talked of as successor, but John W. Storrs was finally appointed. The de- 
cision being partly a party matter, aided by religious preferences and preju- 
dices, it became evident in March that the matter would considerably aftect 
the; spring election, Thomas Burlock of Ansonia was nominated by the 
whigs and Rev, Sylvester Smith of Humphreysville by the democrats. The 
election was held in the basement of the Congregational Church in Hum- 
phreysville. The friends of the defeated candidate for postmaster rallied for 
Rev. Sylvester Smith, and while Mr. Burlock confidently expected a majority 
of 125, Mr. S, received a majority of 20. Burlock was a great politician. 



80 SEYMOUR AND VIOINITY. [1850 

and to be beaten by a local preacher and a papermaker, was no less a surprise 
than the success of the democratic ticket in a strong whig town. 

The subject of dividing the town had not been agitated until after this 
election, but now it quickly became prominent. Messrs. Dwight and French 
led in the movement and Judge Munson was active in its advocacy. Why 
no one proposed the name of Humphrey for the new town, we have been 
unable to learn. The bill to grant the petition was prepared and printed with 
the name "Richmond," but before it was put on its passage Judge Munson 
came to IMr. iSmitli and suggested the name "Seymour." Mr. S. replied, 
"It is short, our Governor and the Speaker of the House have that name, 
and it is an eminent name in Connecticut, and we will have it the name of 
our toN^'ii." The bill was so amended and passed. ]<^llowing is a copy of the 

^Itiirteii off the l^own af ^emwm% 

General Asseonhly, May *SVs«/o«, A. ]J., 1850. 

Upon the petition of Leman Chatfield and others praying for the incor- 
poration of a new town, as will fully and at large appear by their petition on 
lile, dated the th day of April, 1850, which petition has been duly served 
upon the tow^n of Derby and was duly returned to and entered in the office of 
the Secretary of this State according to law. 

Resolved by this Assembly. That all that part of the town of 
Derby lying northerly of the following described line, to wit: commencing at 
the Housatonic River, thence running easterly in a straight line touching the 
most northerly point of Martin B. Bassett's stone building on the east bank of 
said river, thence running easterly in the same straight line to the north side 
of the dwelling house now occupied by said Martin B. Bassett, thence in a 
straight line easterly to the stone bridge in the highway, about twenty-five 
rods westerly of the house occupied by Pearl Carpenter, thence from said 
Itridge following down the brook that runs under said bridge, till it empties 
into the Naugatuck River, thence from the mouth of said brook easterly, in 
a straight line to the intersection of the line dividing the town of Wood- 
l)ridge from the town of Derby with the centre line of the Rimmon Falls 
Turnpike road ; with all the inhabitants residing therein, be, and the same 
liereby ai'e incorporated into a distinct town by the name of Sei/moiir, and the 
inhabitants aforesaid, and their successors forever, residing within said limits 
shiill have and enjoy all the powers, privileg<»s and immunities which are 
enjoyed by other towns in this State, with the pri\ilege of sending one repre- 
sentative to the General Assembly of this State. 

Said n(;w town shall support all bridges within their bounds, (except such 
as belong to turnpike companies or other corporations or individuals to support) 
and be released from supporting any bridges without the limits of saicl new 
town; shall pay and perform their proportion of the jjreseut d(;bts and liabilities 
of Derby, and be allowed the same proportion of its credits, including the like 
ju'oiiortiou of the town deposit fund, and the same proportion of interest in the 
almshouse land; and shall take and supi)ort their proportion of the present 
town poor of said town of Derby; the proportion of the said new town in all 
the respects aforesaid being as the list of that part of the new town taken from 
the town of Derby for the year 1849, bears to the whole list of Derby, in the 
same year ; and the selectmen of the said town of Derby and Seymour are 
hereby empowered to apjjortion and divide the present town })oor, the debts. 



1«r,0] SICY.MOUR AND VICINITY. ,^1 

credits, town fiuuls and alius liouse land uforosaid, according to tlic rnle afore- 
said ; and in case tliey should not be al)le to agree, then such apportionment 
shall be nuide by Samuel Meigs, Escjuire, of Oxford, whose decision shall be 
iinal. And said tow n poor when so apportioned, shall be settled inhabitants 
for all purposes in the res])ective towns to which they are set and said new 
town shall be liable to maintain all such poor of the town fi'om which it is 
taken, as are or may be absent therefrom ; provided, such poor ptjrson or per- 
sons at the time of their departure belonged to the ]K)rtion of said town of 
Derby hereby incorporated, or were residents therein as settled inhabitants at 
the time of such dejtarture therefrom. 

Eesolred further, That the collector of town and state taxes of said 
Derby, be liereby authorized lo collect the several taxes already laid, in the 
same manner as though this act had not passed. 

lienoh't'd furtltcrj That it shall be the duty of said new town to assume* 
and perform the contracts and liabilities now subsisting between the town of 
Derby and any other jjerson or persons for keeping in repair such ]»ortion of 
the roads of the old town of Derby as lie within the limits of said new town, 
and to save the said old tow'n from all expense therefrom. 

Hesolred further, That the mileage of the said town of Seymour to 
Hartford be forty -five miles, and to New Haven be eleven miles. 

Remlved further, That the first meeting of said town of Seymour shall 
1)6 held on the fourth Monday of June, 1850, at tlie basement of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church at Humphreys Ville, in said tow n of Seymonr ; and 
Leman Chatiield, Esquire, (and in case of his tailure to attend the same, 
Harris B. Munson, Esquire,) shall be moderator of said meeting; and said 
meeting shall be warned by setting np a notification of the same on a sign 
post hereby established at the east end of the bridge over Naugatuck River, 
at said Humphreys Yille, and at such other place or places as said persons 
or eitlier of them deem proper, at least five days before said meeting. And 
said town of Seymour shall at said first meeting, have all the powers incident 
to other towns in the State, and full right to act accordingly, to elect town 
officers ; and the officers so elected at such meeting shall hold their offices 
until others are chosen and sworn in their stead. 

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, S S. ) I hereby certify that the foregoing 
Oflice of tSecretary of State, ) is a true copy of record in this office. 
In testimony w^iereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of 
said State, at Hartford, this 12th day of September, A. D., 1850. 



< SEAL i 



J NO. P. V. MATHER, Secretary of State. 



January, 1850, was a remarkably warm month, and in the following 
month the snows were followed by heavy rains, raising the streams and caus- 
ing considerable damage. In the freshet of Feb. 10th and 11th the lower 
bridge was considerably damaged and narrowly escaped being carried away. 
There was also a high tiood March 1st. 

The water lease of S. Y. Beach's papermill expiring in this year, it was 
pulled down and removed to its present location on Bladen's brook. Paper- 
making was discontinued June 15th and resumed Sept. lind. 

A town meeting was held June 24th in the basement of the M. E. Church, 
as provided by the charter, Leman Chatfield presiding as moderator. The 
principal officers of the new town were as follows: 

iSelectmen, Leman Chatheld, Daniel L. Holbrook, Thomas Cochran. 



82 SEYMOUlt AND VICINITY. [1850-52 

To^vn Clerl; Cliarles B. Wooster ; Toivu Treasurer, Sylvester Smitli, 

Grand Jurors, Burton W. Smith, Thomas Stoddard, George L. Hodge, 
Abel Holbrook, Charles L. Hyde, Walter B. Clark. 

Constables, George H. Merrick, Philo Beecher, Oliver H. Stoddard, 
Hiram P. Johnson, Eoswell Humaston, John J. Rider. 

Committee on Roads, Sheldon Kinney, Daniel L. Holbrook. 

TitMmjmen, Church Society — Burton W. Smith, Sheldon Hurd, Isaac 
Lindley ; Methodist Society — John L. Hartson, Jarvis Polly ; Congregational 
Society — Medad K. Tucker, William H. Tuthill ; • Baptist Society — Sharon 
Y. Beach, George L. Hodge ; Great Hill Methodist Society — William C. 
Smith, lioswell Humaston. 

The second town meeting was held in the basement of the Congrega- 
tional Church, Oct. 30th, 1850. Leman Chatfield, Daniel L. Holbrook and 
Thomas Cochran were elected selectmen ; Charles B. Wooster, town clerk ; 
and Burton W. Smith, town treasurer. 

At the electors' meeting held Mar. 31st, 1851, Bennett Wooster was 
elected the first representative of the Town of Seymour to the General 
Assembly. 

The Baptist Society was organized in March, 1848, Eev. William Den- 
nison, from White Hills, in charge. The church on Maple street was built 
in 1851. Tythingmen were last elected for the church in October, 1859. 

A union Sunday school festival was held Aug. 28th by the Baptist, 
Congregational, Episcopal and Methodist Sunday schools. 

At the annual town meeting held Oct, (Jth, the selectmen, town clerk 
and treasurer were re-elected. 

At a special town meeting held in January, 1852, it A^as voted to build 
a new bridge over the Naugatuck, near Moshier's tavern, and Isaac B. Davis, 
Philo Holbrook and Raymond French were appointed building committee. 

At the spring election, Rev. Sylvester Smith was elected representative, 
receiving 217 of the 354 votes cast. The following persons were elected 
justices of the peace : — Harris B. Munson, Leman Chatfield, Sharon Y. 
Beach, Isaac B. Davis, Charles B. Wooster, Philo Holbrook, George P. 
Shelton, Daniel L. Holbrook, Samuel R. Hickox, Eli S. Cornwall. 

At the town meeting in the basement of the Congregational Church in 
October, Daniel Holbrook was elected first selectman but declined to serve 
another year. Isaac B. Davis, Sharon Y. Beach and Harpin Riggs were 
then elected and Burton AV. Smith Avas elected treasurer. A resolution 
was passed authorizing the layout of a street past the house Denzel Hitchcock, 
now known as High Street, also accepting Humphrey street as highway. The 
following resolution Avas adopted: 

Voted, that all Horses ami Cattle be restrained from going at large upon the highways and 
coninions in Seyuionr (except that any man owning one cow only can by permission from any one 
selectman, let her run at large provided she has a strap on her neck with the owners name on) and if 
so found going at large shall be liable to be impounded and that the penalty for each animal so im- 
pounded shall be seventy-live cents, two thirds of wliich sum to be paid to the person or persons so 
impounding the same, by the owner or owners of the animal or animals so impounded, and one-third 
to the pound keeper. 

Voted, that Sheep and Swine be restrained from going at large upon the highways and commons 
in said town, and if so found going at large shall be liable to be impounded, and the penalty for each 
Sheep or Swine so impounded shall be twenty-five cents, to be paid to the person or persons so im- 
pounding the same by the owner or owner of the Sheep or Swine so imi)ounded eigljteen cents, and 
to the pound-keeper seven cents. 

Voted, that Geese i)e restrained from going at large upon the highways or commons in said iowu. 



USo2-54j si: V MO UK A^J) VK'INITV. 83 

and if so found going at large shall lie lial)le to be impounded, and the penalty for each Goose so 
impounded shall be eight cents, one-half of wliich shall be paid to the person impounding the same 
and tlie other half to the pound-keeper, by the owner or owners of the geese so impounded. 

Voted that any inhabitant of said town may lawfully impound all such creatures found going 
at large as aforesaid, and it shall be the duty of the person or persons impounding the same to give 
notice thereof to the owner or owners of such creatures, if known, within twenty-four hours after im- 
pounding the same, and in case the owner or owners of such impounded creatures be not known by 
the impounder, to inform fortbwitli one of the Constables of said town, whose duty it shall be to proceed 
in the same manner as is by law prescribed for Constables when they are informed that creatures are 
impounded for doing damage upon land, and the owners thereof is not known, and said Constable 
shall be entitled to his lawful fees in the same manner as for creatures doing damage upon land, 
provided that nothing in this vote or By-Law shall be so construed as to prevent the owner or owners 
of such creatures from redeeming them from the person or persons while driving them to pound, by 
paying the drivers fees. 

Voted, that the foregoing By-Law be elTectual from and after the '2Gth day of November, IS').', 
until the first Monday in October, 1853. 

Voted, that the town clerk be directed to cause the foregoing By-Law to be published four weeks 
successively in the Columbian Register printed in New Haven, also in the New Haven Palladium. 

This by-law was re-enacteil in 1853 and the penalties increasetl onc^-tburtli. 
In 1854 it was repealed. 

The vote of the town for presidential electors, Nov. 2nd, 1852, was — 
democratic, 258; whig, 105; free soil, 4. 

The nmni)hreysville Copper Co. was re-organized in 1852 and the capital 
increased from $100,000 to 1200,000 by the addition of 4,000 shares of $25 
each. S. K., Vol. 3, p. 123. The President of the company certified that 
the whole amonnt had been paid in Feb. 2nd. A large part of the stock 
was taken in Ihimphreysville, the bank taking 700 shares. The directors of 
the company then were — William Cornwall, Timothy Dwight, Ceorge F. 
DeForest, Charles Dnrand and Harrison Tomlinson. In Febrnary, 1853, 
the directors were=John W. Dwight, William Cornwall, Timothy Dwight, 
Charles Durand, Nathan Peck, Jr., of New Haven, Eaymoud French, George 
F. DeForest, Harrison Tomlinson and Sheldon Kenney of Seymonr. The 
works were greatly enlarged and the bnsiness increased. Uj) to this time 
the bnsiness liad proved very lucrative, but after the enlargement the profits 
decreased and the stock finally went down. 

At the electors' meeting in April, 1853, H. B. Munson was elected rep- 
resentative by a majority of 82 in a total vote of 320. 

Prof. Cay, a graduate of Yale, opened a "high school" in Glendinning 
Hall in August. 

At the October town meeting Leman Chatfield, Harpin Riggs and Jabez 
E. Pritchard were elected selectmen, and E. W. Smith, town treasurer. 

On Sunday, Nov. 13th, there was a heavy rain all day, and during the 
tifternoon the river rose rajjidly, until it was seventeen feet and thrc^e inches 
above low water mark at Derby. Such a Hood had not been known for many 
years, the water was said to have been four feet deep in the coppermill. The 
south half of the railroad bridge was carried away, with the south abutment, 
and many other bridges above and below Seymour, including those at Pines- 
bridge, Beacon Falls and Ansonia. In the evening the Ansonia bridge ^^•as 
carried away, and with it a young couple whose cries were heard far down 
the river, but all attempts to rescue them. in the darkness were nnav'ailing. 

On Wednesday evening, Jan. 8th, 1854, there was another freshet \sliich 
again swept otf the railroad bridge and also the dam of French, Swift & Co. 
The next forenoon the dam which stood a little above where the rubbermill 
dam now is was carried awav. It continued to be an unusuallv rainv season 



84 .SEVMOUll A^D VICIXITY. [lSr>4-57 

for two niontlis, and tlie July and August following wore as exceptionally dry. 

At the elector's meeting in April, H. B, Munson was elected rejjresenta- 
tive by a majority of 05 in a total vote of 293, and S. Y. Beacli, Leman 
Chatfield, Isaac B. Davis, Samuel R. Hickox, Daniel L. Holbrook, Pliilo 
Holbrook, II. B. Munson, Luzon B. Morris, George P. Slielton and Charles 
B, Wooster, justices of the peace. 

From Thursday, April 22nd, to the following Sunday morning there was 
heavy and continuous ram, resulting in a flood on Sunday, when the water 
rose eight or ten inches higher than in the N^overaber freshet. Great damage 
was done throughout the valley. Derby Avenue was Avashed out from Broad 
street to Pine to the depth of three feet. The water at Derby was 19 feet 8J 
inches above low water mark. A special town meeting was called and a 
vote passed to build a breakwater at the west end of Broad street and to fill 
Derby Avenue where washed out. The work was done immediately and so 
substantially that there has been no farther trouble at that point. 

Feb. 7th, 1855, the mercury stood 12° below zero, and the 11th, 10° 
below. At the April election Luzon B. Morris was elected representative by 
a majority of 45 in a total vote of 315. In October Jabez E. Pritchard, 
Henry Bradley and Philo Holbrook were elected selectmen, and B. W. 
Smith, treasurer. Charles B. Wooster was town clerk from the first election 
after the incorporation of the town until he removed to New Haven in the 
winter of 18G2-63. 

The A\inter of 1855-G was remarkably severe. The snow lay from 
eighteen inches to two feet in depth all through January, '56. The mercury 
stood 13° below zero Jan. 9th at 7 a. m., 8° below Mar. 4th, and 10° below 
Mar. 14th. The next summer was unusually warm. June 23rd the mercurv 
stood at 100° in the shade, and the 17th of July at 102°. 

At the April election Luzon B. Morris was elected representative by a 
majority of 58 votes. The justices elected were H. B. Munson, Henry 
Bradley, C. B. Wooster, Philo Holbrook, D. L. Holbrook, Sheldon Church, 
L. B. Morris, David Beach, B. W. Smith and Joseph Chipman. 

A vote was taken upon the proposition to change the name of the town 
from Seymour to Humphrey, the change being defeated by a vote of 117 to 81. 

At the October election of 1850, Sheldon Church, Miles Culver and 
Daniel L, Holbrook were elected selectmen ; Hiram W. Randall, town 
treasurer ; and George F. DeForest, I*hilo B. Buckingham and Luzon B. 
Morris, school visitors. This was the first election of school visitors by the 
town. Previous to this time they had been elected by the School Societies, 
of which there two, the first comprising the school districts on the east side 
of the river, and the second the districts on the west side. 

Land was purchased of Alfred Blackman by Hex. James Lynch of Bir- 
mingham, Sept. 24th, 1851, for a Roman Catholic Church. The land was 
d(;eded to Rt. Rev. Bernard O'Riley of Providence, R. I., June 5th, 1855. 
Work was (;onnnenced in the fall of 1855, and the edifice completed and 
dedicated in the fall of 185(». 

A vote for presidential electors, Nov. 4th, 1850, was — democratic, 192 ; 
republican, 129 ; et ai, 0. 

Jan. 22nd, 1857, at 7 a. m., the mercurv was 4° below zero ; 23rd,— 13° ; 
24th,— 2;P; 25th,— 10°; 20th,— 20°. 

There was a great freshet Feb. 7th, the water at Derby being 22 feet 3 
inches above low water mark. The Housatonic bridge at Birmingham was 
carried away. Henry C. Johnson was elected representative in April by a 
majority of 41. The "Bank of North America," corner of Main and Maple 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 85 

streets, bad been incoii^orated in 1851 witb a capital of $1(){),0()(). Jii 1854 
tlie Gen(!ral Assembly autliorized an increase oftb(! capital stock to $L'()0,0(H), 
but tbe increase seems not to bave been made, as on tbe 1st of January, 185(>, 
George F. DeForest, tbe president of tbe bank, reported tlie stock wortli only 
$110,775. In June, 1859, an addition of S10(),()0() to tbe stock was autliorized, 
and in June, 1800, permission was given to remove tbe bank to Ansonia. The 
name was cbanged to Ansonia Bank in 1801. 

Tbe Nangatuck Railroad Company was incorporated in 1845. Timothy 
Dwiglit, William DeForest and and Anson G. Phelps being among the 
petitioners for the charter. The capital stock was at first .$000,000 with tbe 
privilege of increasing to one million dollars. The time in which the road 
was to be built was extended in 1848 and 1853, and the stock increased to 
$2,000,000. 

Tbe Eagle Manufacturing Co. was organized June 27th, 1850, with a 
stock of $50,000, for the manufiicture of goods from silk, wool and cotton. 
Geo. Rice was the first president of tbe company. The stock was increased 
to $100,000 Oct. 28, 1852; Geo. F. ]>eForest, president. In January, 1855, 
Geo. r. Sbelton, pres., and Harrison Tomlinson, sec., certified to estimateil 
losses of $27,000 and assetts of $42,000, tbe indebtedness of the company being 
about $00,000. 

In 1851 tbe capital stock of the Ilumphreysville Manufacturing Co. was 
estimated at $300,000, and the estimate was a]»proved by a committee of the 
Legislature. Pr. Acts, Vol. 4, p. 803. In 1859 the stock was reduced to 
$150,000 by the distribution of property to the stockholders. 

Tbe Ilumphreysville High School Association was incoi*i)orated in 1851, 
as follows : 

Sec. 1. If cfiolrcd by this Asscmbli/,Tha.t llaymond Frencb, Harrison Tomlinson, George 
F. DeForest, Lucius Tutlle, Eli S. Coriiwiill, Sauniel Bassett. Pliilo IJ. Buckingham, E. F. Bassett, 
(ieorgc II. Meriek, Nelicmiah Robbiiis, Oliver II. Stoildanl, Clark Wooster, and all others, wLo now 
are, or shall hereafter become associated with them, and their successors and assigns, be, and they 
are hereby constituted a body politic and corporate, by the name of "The Seymour High School 
Association," and by that name they are hereby authorized and empowered to purchase, take, hold, 
occupy and enjoy, notes, bonds, mortgages and estate, real and personal, to an amount not exceeding 
twenty thousand dollars ; and the same to sell, transfer and convey at their pleasure; and shall also 
be capable of suing and being sued, pleading and being impleaded, defending and being defended in 
any lawful court; to have perpetual succession, and to have a common seal, and the same to alter 
at pleasure. 

Sec. 2. The stock of said corporation, consisting of the building or buildings, for the use of 
said high school, such as may be from time to time erected, together wilh the lands which now are, 
or may hereafter be owned by said corporation; and all moneys, funds, notes, bonds, mortgages, real 
and personal estate of any description, which now belong, or may hereafter belong to said corporatioii, 
(excepting donations, legacies, devises and bequests, shall be divided into shares of twenty-live dollars 
each; and each share shall entitle the holder thereof to one vote at all meetings of said corporation; 
and said shares shall be deemed and held to be personal estate, and shall be transferable in sucli 
manner as shall be prescribed by the by-laws, rules and regulations of said corporation. 

Sec. 3. For the management of the affairs of said corporation, the members thereof shall, at 
their first meeting, elect five trustees, who shall hold their office for the term of one year, at least, 
from the time of their election, and until others may and shall be chosen by said corporation, to sup- 
ply their places ; said trustees shall have power to fill any vacancies which may occur in their number, 
during the time of holding their ollice ; they shall have the inunediate management and control of 
the funds, property, and general concerns of said corporation, receive and disburse all 
moneys belonging to said institution; regulate tbe course of instruction and the price of 
tuition, and if they think proper, prescribe the terms of admission of scholars ; they shall have the 



86 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

power of enacting such rules and regulations concerning the conduct of students while members of 
said high school, as they may deem proper ; and a majority of them may, at any time, expel or dismiss, 
or suspend, as the case may require, such students as, for any reasonable cause, they may consider 
it improper to letain in the school; always provided, that the hy-laws, rules and regulations shall 
not be repugnant to the laws of this state, or of the United States. 

Sec. 4. That in all meetings of the trustees, a majority of the whole number shall be necessary 
to form a querum for transacting business of any kind ; and a vote of the majority of those presant 
shall be necessary to render any act done by them binding on said corporation. 

Sec. 5. All meetings of the trustees shall be called at such times, in such manner, and on 
such notice, as the trustees by their by-laws shall prescribe. And a meeting of the corporation may 
at any time be called by vote of the trustees, or by a written request presented to the secretary or 
the trustees or corporation, and signed by members of the corporation, who are owners of at least 
one-third of the stock of said corporation ; and each meeting of the corporation shall be warned in 
such manner as the trustees shall direct. 

Sec. 6. In all meetings of the corporation, all the stockholders may vote in person, or by 
proxy, and one vote shall he allowed for each share. 

Sec. 7. The books and records of said corporation shall be always open to the inspection of 
any of its stockholders. 

Sec. 8. The use of such buildings as may belong to said corporation, shall be under the 
direction of the trustees, and shall be appropriated to no other purposes than that of a school, unless 
by the consent of a majority of the trustees expressed in writing under their bands, and prescribing 
the terms on which, and the purposes for which, they are to be used. 

Sec. 9. The members of this corporation shall have the power of appointing a committee to 
consist of at least two, to procure such instructors as may he necessary, and agree with them in re- 
lation to the terms ; and in case they shall neglect to do so, it shall be the duty of the trustees to 
procure such itstructors as may be required. 

Sec. 10. The first meeting of the corporation shall be called by George P. DePorest, Es- 
quire, or in case of his inability or neglect, by Raymond Prench, of the town of Seymour, at such 
time and place, and with such notice as he shall direct; provided always, that this act maybe 
altered, amended or repealed at the pleasure of the general assembly. (Pr. Acts, Vol. 3, p. 20. 

In 1852, Geo. P. Shelton, Raymond French, Philo Holbrook, Henry S. 
Mygatt, Sheldon Kinney, George F. DeForest, Harrison Touilinson, John W. 
Dwight, John Clark and Sylvester Smith were incorporated under the style 
and title of the Seymour Savings Bank. 

The Union Mercantile Co., was established Jan. Gth, 1852, with a capital 
stock of $4,000, in shares of $25. There were sixty-four stock-holders, taking 
from one to eight shares each. B. W. Smith was the first president of the 
company, and John J. Rider the second. The store was in the building on 
the north side of Broad street, at the west end of the Naugatuck bridge. 

The American Car Co. was organized in the spring of 1852, with a stock 
of $150,000, one half of which was certified to be paid in May 14th, by I. H. 
Lyman, Pres., and T. Dwight, R. French and J. W. Dwight, a majority of 
the directors. Sey. Town Rec, Vol. 3, p. 76. The stock was increased Sept. 
1st, to $200,000. Of the additional shares J. W. and Timothy Dwight each 
took 800 and J. H. Lyman 400. S. R., Vol. 3, p. 82. Five large shops were 
built on the "fiat," with track laid to each, and a large business was done for 
a time, until the business was moved west. 

The Humphreysville and Salem Turnpike Co., organized in 1825 and 
incorporated in 1832, was discontinued in 1856. 

The New Haven and Seymour Plank road company was incorporated in 
1852. The parties named in the act were William H. Ellis, Zelotes Day 
and William Hull of New Haven, Bevil P. Smith and Thomas Sanford of 
Woodbridge, William A. Clark of Bethany, and Sylvester Smith and Sharon 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 87 

Y. Beach of Soyraour. The capital was not to exceed $100,000, and the 
road to run from Seymour through Woodbridge and Bethany to Westville 
bridge. 

The AVoodbury and Seymour Plank Road Company was incorporated in 
1852. Lewis B. Candee, Norman Parker, Charles B. Phelps, Reuben H. 
Hotchkiss, Lewis Judd and William Gaylord w(a*e among the (irst stock- 
holders. The road from Seymour through Oxford and Southbury to W^ood- 
bury is now the only road from Seymour on which toll is collected. 

The Upson Manufacturing Co. was organized in 1852 with a capital of 
.$0,000, by Hiram Upson, Horace A. Radford and Lucius Tuttle, for the 
manufacture of augers, bits, &c. The business w\as carried on where the 
Houglass Manufacturing Co's lower shop now is, at the mouth of Little 
River. The property was sold by H. A. Radford to Charles Douglass in 
1859. The shop was originally built by Timothy Dwight, Sr., son of Pres. 
Dwight, in 1837, and by his heirs sold to U. A. Radford. 

The Humphreysville Copper Co., in addition to their works in Seymour, 
had a wharf and mill in East Haven, and were in 1853 authorized by tlu; 
General Assembly to build a breakwater for the protection of their vessels 
from the surf and winds while loading and unloading. Pr. Acts, Vol. 4, p. 
798. The stock was increased Feb. 3rd, 1854, from 12,000 to 1G,000 shares. 
The stock was certified Jan. 30th, 1855, to have been paid in to the amount 
of 390,000, the property to be worth $525,000, and the bills receivable $75, 
000; while the liabilities were $350,000. A new Humphreysville Copper Co. 
was incorporated in 1855, (Pr. Acts, Vol. 4, p. 799,) the stock being placed 
at $750,000 with liberty to increase to any amount not exceeding $1,00(»,000, 
and to purchase the stock of the old company. The parties named in the act 
of incorporation Mere John W. Dwight, Wm. Cornwall, Geo. F. DeForest, 
Henry Brouson, Chas. Durand, Sheldon Kinney, Saml. K. Satterlee, Geo. 
R. A. Ricketts and Henchman S. Soule. The New Haven Copper Co. was 
organized Nov. 21st, 1855, with a capital stock of $400,000. John W, Dwight, 
president; Geo. R. A. Ricketts, secretary. Mar. 12th, 1850, J. W. Dwight 
and Wm. Cornwall certified that the stock amounted to $300,000, all paid in, 
Dwight having 4,080 shares, Cornwall 3,920, and Wm. W. Goddard 4,000. 
S. R., Vol. 3, p. 220. The statement of the New Haven Copper Co., Jan. 
20th, 1857, claimed assetts to the amount of $015,000 with $295,000 liabilities. 
7900 shares of the stock were in the name of the Humphreysville Copper Co., 
4000 were held by Wm. W. Goddard, and the renuiining 100 by Dwight, 
Cornwall, DeForest and Ricketts. After various changes the company was 
re-organized in 1872, the stock being owned by Lazarus Lissberger, president, 
and Sanmel Holmes, Thomas James and Frank Farrell, and under the present 
able management is one of the heaviest (both literally and financially,) and 
most reliable of the iudustries of the town. 

The Humphreysville Library Company was incorporated in 1854. The 
following is the act of incorporation from Pr. Acts, Vol. 4, p. 1193-4. 

Eesoleed by this Assembly, Sec. 1. That P. B. Buckingham, B. W. Smith, G. H. Merrick, 
Itaymoud French, Sylvester Smith, Samuel Bassett, Henry S. Mygatt, Kansom Tonilinson, Ashlx^l 
Storrs, L. B. Morris and Andrew Bassett, and their associates and such other persons as shall here- 
after he admitted members of said company, be and they hereby are made a body politic and corpoi'ate, 
by the name of the Humphreysville Library Company, and by that name may sue and be sued, and 
have perpetual succession, and may have a common seal, and may alter the same at pleasure, and 
may hold real estate to the amount of one thousand dollars, and may increase their stock in books 
to the amount and value of five thousand dollars ; and the stock of said company sliall be divided 



S8 SEYMOUE AN1> VICINITY. 

into sucli shares as by the by-laws of said company shall be ordained and established. And the first 
meeting- of said company shall be held on the third Monday of July next, at such hour and place as 
.shall be designated for that purpose, by notice signed by the said P. B. Buckingham and B. W. 
Smith, which shall be served by reading to each petitioner, or by copy left at his usual place of abode 
three days previous to said meeting; and thereafter the annual and special meetings of said company 
shall be held at such time and place and on such notice as the by-laws of said company shall prescribe. 

Sec. 2. The company at their annual meeting shall choose a secretary, a president, a vice- 
])resident, a treasurer and seven persons to he a board of directors, who shall continue in office until 
others are chosen to fill their places; and if the company shall hereafter increase, the board of 
directors may be increased, but shall at no time exceed eleven persons, exclusive of the president 
and vice-president, who shall ex officio be members of the board of directors. 

Sec. 3. The board of directors shall have a general superintendauce of the library; direct 
in what manner it shall be kept, appoint a librarian and grant him such compensation as they shall 
judge necessary, adjust all accounts and exhibit the same once in every year to the company, select 
and purchase books for the use of the company, and regulate from time to time the manner in which 
books shall be drawn from the library. 

Sec. 4. The board of directors shall have the sole power of making by-laws relative to the 
use of the company's books, and the fines, penalties, and forfeitures to be inllicted for any injury to, 
or loss, obstructions or undue detention of the same ; but no such by-law shall be of any force until it 
has been engrossed and posted up fourteen days in the library room. Provided, that no fine, penalty 
or forfeiture shall exceed the assessed value of the book or books so injured, lost, detained or destroyed. 

Sec. 5. No person shall become a member of the company by purchase, without the consent 
and approbation of the board of directors. 

Sec. G. The proprietor of each share of said stock shall pay annually into the treasury of 
said company one dollar on each share held by him; and if the proprietor of any share or shares of 
said stock shall neglect or refuse to make such payment for the space of thirty days after the same 
shall be due, and after having been notified of such neglect, in a manner to be provided by the board 
of directors, each proprietor neglecting or refusing shall forfeit all his right, title and interest in said 
campany, and shall cease to be a member of the same. 

Sec. 7. These resolves may be altered, amended or repealed at the pleasure of the legislature. 

The foregoing outline of tlie joint stock speculations of 1850 — CO, made 
from the recortls with very little comment, includes companies that have 
since prospered and been largely instrumental in building up the place, 
and others which by the heavy losses inflicted upon the stockholders, have 
since intimidated capital and sometimes hindered the development of merit- 
orious enterprises. 

A portion of the town of Oxford was was annexed to the town of Sey- 
mour in 1854, as follows : 

L'esolred by this Assembly, That ail that part of the town of Oxford lying southerly of a line 
diawn from the town bounds, standing between the towns of Seymour and Oxfi)rd in New Haven 
county, near the dwelling house of Mrs. Sabra Lindley; thence running in an easterly direction 
about one hundred and thirty-four rods, to a pile of stones on Diamond liock, so called ; thence 
running easterly about one hundred and twenty rods from the Naugatuck railroad; thence running 
easterly to a pile of stones with a stake standing therein, on the town line between said Seymour and 
Oxford, easterly of the dwelling house of Miles Culver, and southerly of the south end of Rock 
liimmon, so called, be and hereby is incorporated in and made part of the said town of Seymour, and 
that the aforesaid lines and boundaries be the boundaries between said towns. (Pr. Acts, Vol. 4, p. 12G5. 

From Conn. Private Acts, Vol. 4, p. 1314 : — 

Upon the petition of the Humphreysville and Salem Turnpike Company, showing that here- 
tofore, to wit, at a general assembly of the state of Connecticut, holden at Hartford on the first 
Wednesday of May, A. D., 1832, the said Humphreysville and Salem Turnpike Company was by a 
resolve of the general assembly, duly incorporated by the name of the "Humphreysville Turnpike 
Company," with power to construct a tur)ipike road from the Falls bridge, so called, then in the 
town of Derby, but now the town of Seymour, to Salem bridge, in the then town of Waterbury, 
now Naugatuck, and that said turnpike road was afterwards during the said year last mentioned 
laid out and constructed by said company, and has ever since been kept open for public travel by 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 89 

said company, until on or about the Isl day of January, A. D., 1853, wlien tlie same became useless 
and valueless to said company, and has ever since been abandoned by them, and praying that the 
said charter and resolve of incorporation may be repealed, as per petition on file : 

Hesolved by this Assemhly, That the charter of the Humphrcysville and Salem Turnpike 
Company, granted by a resolve of the general assembly, at its May session, A. D., 1825, and all 
powers and privileges therein conferred, be and the same hereby is revoked and repealed. 

The following; resolution was adopted by the General Assembly in 1850, 
and made of no avail by the vote before' mentioned: 

licsolved by this Assembly, That the name of the town of Seymour be and the same is here' 
by changed to that of Ifumj)hrey, and by said name of Humphrey, the said town shall hereafter be 
called and known. Pro?'/(^erf, that this resolution shall not take efl'ect until the same shall be ap- 
proved by a majority of the voters of said town, present at the next animal town meeting of said 
town, or at some special meeting of said town duly warned and held for that purpose. 

At the October election Henry Bradley, Edwin Smith and Abel Hol- 
brook were re-elected selectmen ; and B. W. Smith, town treasurer ; Martin 
Kelley, James E. Fisher and John W. Bassett, tythingmen for the Episcopal 
Society ; Methodist, Smith Botsford, W. N. Storrs, John E. Blackman ; 
Congregational, David Tucker, Philo B. Buckingham, Joshua Kendall ; 
Baptist, S. Y. Beach ; Roman Catholic, Patrick Tracey, James Robinson ; 
Great Hill Methodist Society, Eli Gillett, Clark Hull. S. Y. Beach and 
Joshua Kendall were elected school visitors. 

January, 1858, was noted as being remarkably warm, the mercury 
averaging nearly fifty degrees higher than in January, '57. 

At the spring election Charles B. Wooster was elected representative by 
a majority of fifty-three, and B. W. Smith, Harpin Riggs, J. J. Wilcoxen, 
S. L. Bronson, Abel Holbrook, C. B. Wooster, Joshua Kendall, Ebenezer 
Fairchild, IST. R. Wooster and Samuel Roselle, justices of the peace. When 
the announcement of the completion of the first Atlantic cable was received 
the people of Seymour, like the people of New England generally, united in 
a general rejoicing by ringing of bells and firing of cannon. 

At the town meeting held Oct. 4tli, the selectmen, town clerk and town 
treasurer of the previous year were all re-elected ; the "poke by-law" was 
passed, and it w^as voted to lay a tax of 20c. on the dollar. P. B. Bucking- 
ham was elected school visitor for three years. 

On Tuesday, Jan. 4th, 1850, the snow fell to the depth of two and a 
half feet. On Wednesday, Aug. 31st, a strong wind, passing over the place, 
threw down the steeple of the Baptist church and caused considerable damage 
in the vicinity. At the April election Samuel L. Bronson was elected repre- 
sentative by a majority of 01. At the October election Henry Bradley, 
Edwin Smith and Abel Holbrook were elected selectmen, Henry S. Johnson, 
town treasurer; and S. Y. Beach, school visitor. 

The waters of the Naugatuck rose very high Feb. 22nd, 1800, and the ice 
broke up and was in many places piled high on the banks. 

At the electors' meeting held April 2ud Carlos French was elected repre- 
sentative to the General Assembly by a majority of 170 over all other candi- 
dates. The justices elected were — B. W. Smith, H. B. Munson, Sheldon 
Church, David Beach, J. J, Wilcoxen, Thomas James, Jr., C. B, Wooster, 
S. L. Bronson, P^lliott Bassett, John A. Cochran. 

At the annual town meeting held in Glendining hall, Oct. 1st, Henry 
Bradley, Edwin Smith and Stephen D. Russell were re-elected selectmen; 
Henry S. Johnson town treasurer; and Joshua Kendall, school visitor. A 
tax was laid of 5i mills. 



90 SEYMOUE AND VICimXY. [18G1 

The vote for president ISTov. Gth was — for Douglass electors, 98; Brecken- 
ridge, 98; Lincoln, 134, et al, 4. 

In April, 1861, Clark Wooster was elected representative by a majority 
of twenty-nine. 

At the annual town meeting held Oct. 7th, Henry Bradley, John Davis 
and Stephen D. Russell were elected selectmen; David Betts, Jr., treasurer; 
C. B. Wooster, school visitor. 

Abel Holbrook was elected representative April 7th, by a majority of 34 
votes. The following were elected justices of the peace: C. B. Wooster, B. 
W. Smith, H. B. Munson, Sheldon Church, E. K. Bassett, J. J. Wilcoxen, 
Smith Botsford, John Chatfield, Edward Iloadley, James Baker. 



SEYMOUR m THE GREAT REBELLION. 



At the first call of the President for volunteers there had been a prompt 
response, many patriotic young men going forth in the first regiments to 
devote their lives, if it should so be, to their country, leaving home and family 
to ftice the peril of a destructive war. As the war progressed and call after 
call was made for more men, it became necessary to make greater eflorts to 
fill the quotas, and those who remained at home contributed liberally to assist 
those who went to the front. 

At a special town meeting held Aug. 25tli, 18G2, the following resolutions 
were adopted: — 

Kesolved, That the sum of one hundred dollars be and hereby is appointed 
to each volunteer soldier who has enlisted in any company forming in this 
town for the military service of the United States since July 1st, 1802, or who 
may hereafter enlist in such company for said service before the 3rd day of 
September 1862, until the quota of men required of this town under the orders 
of the President of the United States, or as ai)portioned by the Adjutant 
General or Governor of this State, shall be filled, and said sum herein before 
appropriated shall be paid to each and every volunteer so enlisting immediately 
after such volunteer or volunteers shall have been mustered into the military 
service of the United States. 

Resolved, That the sum of five tliousand dollars, or so much thereof as 
may be required, be and is hereby appropriated for the purpose of carrying the 
foreo-oing resolutions into effect, and the selectmen or town agent of this town 
are hereby authorized and instructed to procure a loan or loans on the credit 
of this town of such sum or sums of money not exceeding in the whole the 
amount appropriated under these resolutions as may be required to pay the 
aforesaid appropriations. 

Kesolmd, That the selectmen of this town be and hereby are empowered 
and instructed to draw their order on the treasurer of this town for the sum 
of one hundred dollars in favor of ivM-h and every Aolunteer enlisted as afore- 
said when such volunteer or volunteers shall have been mustered into the 
s(n-vice of the United States, 

Resolved, That a tax of three mills on the dollar b(! and hereby is laid 
and assessed upon the Grand List of this town next to be completed for the 
purpose of defraying the exjiens*' of the foregoing appr()i)riations. 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 91 

Tlio following additional resolutions were adopted at a special meeting 
lield Sept. 8th. 

Kesolved, That in addition to bounties heretofore voted by this town in 
legal town meeting, a bounty of one hundred dollars be paid toeaehaud every 
person who has or uiay hereafter volunteer from this town, and Jias been or 
may hereafter be mustered iuto the nnlitary service of this State or the United 
States since July 1, 1802, previous to the draft ordered by the (Jovernor or 
Adjutant General of this State dated the 20th day of August 1802, until the 
quota assigned to this town shall be completed, unless such volunteer or 
volunteers shall have already received a bounty in accordance with a previous 
legal vote of this town, and that the selectmen be instructed to draw an order 
on the town treasm-er for the sum of one hundred dollars in favor of each 
person who has or may so volunteer, when he shall be accepted and mustered 
into the military service of this State or the United States. 

Resolved, That to carry out the intent of the foregoing resolutions the 
sum of twenty -five hundred dollars or so much thereof as nuiy be required is 
hereby approi)riated, and the selectmen are hereby authorized to loan on the 
credit of this town the sum of two thousand five hundred dollars. 

At a special town meeting held Aug. 3rd, 1803, a resolution was adopted 
authorizing the selectmen to pay a bounty of $300 to any citizen of this town 
w'ho had enlisted or might enlist into the service of the United States under 
the provisions of the Act of Congress approved March 3rd, 1803, or who might 
be drafted and accepted, and the town treasurer was authorized to borrow 
upon the faith and credit of the town such sums as might be necessary, not 
exceeding in all 89,500. 

In December an additional appropriation was made of $105 to each 
man who would eulist under the call of the President dated Oct. ITtli, 1803, 
and for this and also the consolidation of the previous debt, the town treasur- 
er was authorized to issue six per cent bonds to the amount of $10,000. 

At a special town meeting held Sept, 15th, {'01,) a tax of thirteen mills, 
was voted for the purjjose of defraying the expense of filling the quota of the 
town under the last call of the President for volunteers. Tlie money was to 
be kept in a separate fund called the Soldiers' Bounty Fund, and to be drawn 
upon for no other purpose. The selectmen were authorized to draw an order 
on the fund for $300 in favor of each person who had or should enter tlie 
military service of the United States, and be counted on the quota of the 
town, until the quota should be filled. The selectnum were also instructed 
to use all reasonable diligence to fill the quota of the town. 

At a special meeting held Dec. lOtli, it was voted that $3,500 be appro- 
l)riated for the purpose of procuring volunteers to enlist into the service of 
the United States. 



92 SEYMOUR AND VIOimTY. 



LIST OF SEYMOUE SOLDIERS 

OF THE 

-V^J^Tl OF THE I^EBEni.I^I02Sr. 



It is but an act of simple justice to keep in affectionate anil lasting remembrance the name and 
fame of tliose who from amongst us have given their lives that tlie nation night live. It is not for 
us to honor them, bui it is they who have honored us. — Col. A. 11. Fenn. 



Ichabod E. Ailing, Corporal, Co. H, 20th Conn. Vols. Mustered in 
Aug. 20tli, 1862. Mustered out June 13th, 1865. 

Jolm Baldwin, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 24:th, 1861. Mus- 
tered out June 23rd, 1865. 

Julius Bassett, mustered as Capt. Co. A, Fifteenth Conn. Vols., at Meri- 
den, July 10th, 1862. Killed in action March 8th, 1865, near Kinston, S. C. 

Lorenzo M. Bassett, Co. A, First Artillery. Mustered in Nov. 23rd, 
1863. Discharged, disability, June 17th, 1865. 

Samuel Bassett, Co. H, 20th Conn. Vols. Mustered in Dec. 16th, 1863 ; 
transfered to the Fifth Keginient. Mustered out July 19th, 1865. 

Sheldon Bassett, Co. B, Fifteenth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Mar. 13th, 
1864 ; transfered to 7th Conn. Vols. Mustered out July 14th, 1865. 

Samuel A. Beach, Sergeant, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered 
in Aug. 8th, 1862. Discharged, disability, Sept. 9th, 1862. 

Henry B. Beers, Co. K, Tenth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Oct. 5th, 1861. 
Discharged, disability, Feb. 22d, 1863. 

Bennett Benham, Co. H, 20th Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug. 9th, 1862. 
Mustered out June 13th, 1865, at Washington, D. C. 

Howard Bliss, Co. 11, 20th Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug. 20th, 18(52. 
Mustered out June 13th, 1865, at Washington, D. C. 

Andrew Bodge, Co. F, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in May 23rd, 
1861. Wounded at Battle of Malvern Hill. Discharged May 22ud, 1864. 

George E. Bodge, Co. F, Sixth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Sept. 7tli, 1861. 
Killed at the charge on Fort Wagner, on Morris Island, S. C, July 18th, 
1863. 



SF.YM01:R and vicinity. 03 

Xoycfi E. Bassett, Co. I, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in IMar. 7tli, 
18(J4. Transferred to Fifth C. V. Mustered out July 19th, 18G5. 

Henry I. Booth, Co. H, 20th Conn. Vols. Mustered in Au,i?. fitli, 1802. 
Died in Washington, I). C, Jan. 4th, 1803. 

Edward Botsford, Third Ind. I^attery. Mustered in Scj.t. 10th, 1804. 
Mustered out June 23rd, 180;"). 

Edicard BoUford, Co. E, Fifth Conn. Vols. IMustered in Julv 22nd, 

1801. Discharged for disability Dec. 17th, 1802. 

Harvey L. BoUford, Co. 11, 20th Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug-, ."ith, 

1802. Discharged', disability, Feb. 21st, 18(13, at Staltbrd (Jourt House. 

Henry I. Bradley, Co. P>, Twelfth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Dec. 19th, 

1801. Ke-enlisted Jan. 1, 1804. 

Matthew Brassil, Third Ind. P>attery. Mustered in Se])t. 10th, 1804. 
Mustered out June 22d, 18()r>. 

^Vm. H. Bray, Sergeant, Co. G, Eleventh Conn. Vols. Mustered in 
Dec. 1st, 1801. Discharged, disability, Nov. 29th, 1802. 

Royal L. Bronson, Co. H, 20th Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug. 25tli, 

1802. Died May 4tli, 1803, of wounds received at Chancellorsville, Va., 
May 3rd. 

Rodney 0. Bronson, Co. D., First Conn. Cavalrv. JMustered in Nov. 
27th, 1803. Mustered out Aug. 2nd, 18(55. 

Charles Brown, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 19th, 1804. 
Mustered out June 23rd, 180."). 

Philo B. BucUimiham, mustered in as Major of Twentieth Conn. Vols. 
Aug. 29th, 1802. Taken prisoner at Chancellorsville, and sent to Libby 
Prison. Exchanged and returned to service. Promoted Lieut. Col. JMar. 
22d, 1804. ]Made Brevet-Colonel by the I*resident, by and wirh the advice, 
of the Senate, to date from March l.'Uh, 1805, for gallant and meritorious 
services during the campaign in (leorgia and the Carolinas. Mustered out 
June 13th, 1805. 

James E. Bitel-Jey, Corporal, Co. B, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in 
Aug. 4th, 1802. AVounded .Mar. 19th, 1805. Mustered out June 13th, 
18(J5. 

Owen Buelcley, Third Ind. Batterv. Mustered in Sept. 19th, 1804. De- 
st-rted Nov. 21st, 1804. 

Geo. B. Candee, Third Ind. Battery. :\Iustered in Sept. 23rd, 1804. 
Mustered out June 23rd, 1805. 

Wm. Carroll, 1st Vol. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 15th, 1804. Mus- 
tered out June 23rd, 1805. 

Nicholas Cass, Co. C, First C. V. Heavy Artillerv. Mustered in Dec. 
8th, 1803. Mustered out Sept. 5th, 1805. 

Thomas Chadwicl; Co. F, Twelfth Conn. Vols. ."Mustered in Nov. 25th, 
1801. Pe-enlisted Jan. 1, 1804. JMustered out Auu;. 12, 18(J5. 



94 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

Mi Clement, Co. B, First C. V. Heavy Artillery. Mustered in May 22d, 
18G1. Discharged May 21st, 1864 ; term expired. 

Abraham Collins, Co. A. Tenth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Oct. 29tli, 
1861. Discharged, disability, Feb. 22d, 1863. 

Richard Condon, Co. E, First Conn. Vols. Mustered in July 22d, 1861- 
Re-enlisted Dec. 21st, 1863. V^ounded. Mustered out July 19th, 1865. 

Richard Conway, Co. B, First C. V. Heavy Artillery. Mustered in May 
22d, 1861. Discharged May 21st, 1864 ; term expired. 

Reuben Cox, Co. C, First C. V. Heavy Artillery. Mustered in Dec. 3rd, 
1863. Deserted Aug. 5th, 1865. 

FredericTc Cross, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 24th, 1864. 
Mustered out June 23rd, 1865. 

Dennis Crnmmey, Co. I, Twenty-Seventh Conn. Vols. Mustered in Sept. 
9th, 1862. Lost an arm in front of Mary's Heights, Dec. 13th, 1862. Dis- 
charged Feb. 12th, 1863. 

Wm. E. Curtiss, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 15th, 1864. 
Mustered out June 23rd, 1865. 

Charles H. Davis, Co. C, First Heavy Artillerv. Mustered in Dec. 4th, 

1863. Mustered out Sept. 25th, 1865. 

Harry W. Davis, Rifle Co. C, Third Conn. Vols. Mustered in May 14th, 

1861. Honorably discharged Aug. 12th, 1861. 

Zcrah B. Davis, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug. 6th, 

1862. Mustered out June 13th, 1865. 

Charles Domingo, colored, Co. H, Twenty -ninth Conn.Vols. Mustered in 
Mar. 2nd, 1864. Killed at Petersburg, Va., Sept. 3rd, 1864. 

Patrick Donahue, Third Independent Battery. Mustered in Sept. 15th, 

1864. Mustered out June 23rd, 1865. 

Loren J. Farrell, Co. E, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in April 8th, 
1862. Died Aug. 8th, 1862, at Harrison's Landing, Va. 

Hugh Fitzimtriclc, mustered in Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols., August 
13th, 1862. Discharged for disability, Feb. 8th, 1863. Mustered in Co. B, 
Seventh Conn. Vols., Dec. 21st, 1863. Died at David's Island, N. Y., 
Aug. 5th, 1864. 

De Grasse Fowler, Second Lieut., Co. E, Fifth Conn. Vols. Mustered 
in July 22nd, 1861. Resigned Sept. 23rd, 1864. 

Charles French, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug. 5th, 
1862. Wounded July 20th, 1864. Mustered out June 13th, 1865. 

Harpin R. French, Co. K, Tenth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Oct. 14th, 
1861. Discharged Oct. 7th, 1864 ; term expired. 

Herman B. French, Corporal, Co. F. First Heavy Artillery. Mustered 
in May 23rd, 1861. Discharged, disability, Nov. 18tli, 1861. 



SEYMOUK AND VICINITY. 95 

HoMrt French, Co. A, Tenth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Sept. 21st, 18G1. 
Discharged, disability, Dec. 21st, 1801. 

John W. Frcnchj Musician, Co. IT, 20tli Conn. Vols. Mustered in Ang. 
20th, 1802. Mustered out June 13th, 18(55. 

Robert IT. Geissler, Sergeant, Co. C, Eleventh Conn. Vols. Mustered in 
October 2oth, 1801. Discharged, disability, June 2r)th, 1802. 

nyaft Gregory, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 21st, 1804. 
Mustered out June 23rd, 180o. 

Wm. Grogan, Co. C, Eleventh Conn. Vols. Mustered in Nov. 14th, 
1861. Enlisted in U. S. Army Nov. 1st, 1802. 

John Hanley, Co. C, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in Dec. 8tli, 1803. 
Mustered out Oct. 9th, 1865. 

Wm. Rmrley, Third Ind, Battery. Mustered in Sept. 24th, 1804. Mus- 
out June 23, 1805. 

Richard E. Hayden, Co. B, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in May 
22nd, 1801. Discharged May 21st 1804 ; term expired. 

Jamea W. Hendry.v, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Auij. 
6th, 1802. Killed at the battle of Chancellorsville, May 3rd, 1803. 

John W. Holcomh, Co. E, First Conn. Vols. Mustered in July 22nd7 
1861. Ee-enlisted Dec. 21st, 1803. Mustered out July 19th, 1805. 

Charles B. Holland, Corporal, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mus- 
tered in Aug. 5th, 18(>2. Transferred to Invalid Corps. Mustered out Aug. 
4th, 1865. 

Jame,<i Holeren, Co. F, Fifth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Julv 22nd, 1801, 
Ee-enlisted Dec. 21st, 1863. Mustered out July 19tli, 1805. 

Geo. ^Y. Homan, Orderly-Sergeant, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. 
Mustered in Aug. Otli, 1802. Taken prisoner at Chancellorsville and confined 
in Richmond prison. Exchanged and returned to service. Promoted 
Second-Lieut. June Gth, 1805. Mustered out June 13th, 1865. 

Calvin A. Unhhard, Co. E, First Conn. Vols. Mustered in July 22nd, 
1861. Re-enlisted Dec. 21st, 1863. Wounded. Mustered out July 19th, 
1865. 

Thomas Hurlhurt, Co. B, First Conn. Cavalry. Mustered in Nov. 19th, 
1861, re-enlisted Jan. 1st, 1864. Imprisoned at Andersonville. Mustered 
out Aug. 2nd, 1865. 

Charles Isles, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 19th, 1864. Mus- 
tered out June 23rd, 1865. 

Andrew Jackson, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 17th, 18(J4. 
Mustered out June 23rd, 1805. 

Wm. B. Johnson, Sergeant, Co. B, Fifteenth Conn. Vols. Mustered in 
July 22nd 1802. Mustered out June 27tli, 1805. 



9G SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

Balph JuM, Tliird Ind. Batterv. Mustered in June 22nd, 1804. De- 
serted Nov. 17th, 1864. 

^imon Laihrop, Co. A, Tenth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Oct. 2nd, 1801. 
Killed at Kinston, N. C, Dec. 14th, 1802. 

William Lee, Co. C, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in Dec. 3rd, 1803. 
Mustered out Sept. 25tli, 1865. 

Lewis E. Leigh, Co. B, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in May 22d, 

1861. Re-enlisted Jan. 1, 1864. 

Albert W. Lounshury, Co. H, 20tli Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug. 9th, 

1862. Taken prisoner at the battle of Chancellorsville, and sent to Libby 
Prison. Exchanged and returned to service. Mustered out June 13th, 
1865. 

Henry W. Lounshnry, Co. A, Tenth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Oct. 2d, 

1861. Died Aug. 14th, 1862, at Newbern, N. C. 

Duane Jf. Lynde, Co. D, First Conn. Cavalry. Mustered in Nov. 28th, 

1863. Mustered out June 28th, 1865. 

Charles B. Lyons, Co. C, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in Dec. 3r(l, 
1863. Mustered out Sept. 25th. 1865. 

David Tjucheit, colored, Coi-])oral, Co. C, Thirtieth Conn. Vols. Mustered 
in Feb. 22d, 1864. Mustered out Nov. Ttli, 1865. 

Albert McArthur, Co. C, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in Dec. 3rd, 
1863. Mustered out Sept. 25th, 1865. 

John ]\[cCormicJc, Co. E, First Artillery. Mustered in Sept. 23rd, 1864. 
Deserted Aug. lOtli, 1865. 

Byron W. Miinson, Co. G, First Conn. Ca^'alry. Mustered in Dec. 3rd. 
1863. Mustered out Aug. 2nd, 1865. 

Marcus E. Miinson, Co. R, First Conn. Cavalry. Mustered in Dec. 21st, 
1863. Died in Baltimore, Md., Mar. 11, 1864. 

William Xicholas, colored, Co. A, Thirtieth Conn. Yoh. Mustered in Feb. 
22nd, 1864. Mustered out Nov. 7tli, 1865. 

Georqe O^Brien, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aus;. 20tli, 

1862. Killed at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3rd, 1863. 

Darid (TVlanyhessy, Third Ind. I^attery. Mustered in Sept. 23rd, 1864. 
Mustered out .June 2.")rd, 1865. 

Martin Perry, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sei)t. 24th, 1864. ]Mus- 
t<'red out June 23rd, 186.5. 

Edward I>. Phelps, Co. F, Seventh Conn. Xoh. Mustered in Sept. 9tli, 
1861. He-enlisted Dec. 22d, 1863. .Alustered out .Inly 2Utli, 1865. 

Charles Prince, Co. B, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in ^lny 22d, 
1861. Discliarged ]\I ay 21st, 1864; term expired! 



SP]YMOUK AND VICINITY. 97 

John Y. Reynolds^ Co. B, First Heavy Artillery. Enlisted May 22nd, 

1801. Discharged May 21st, 180-1 ; term expired. 

John H. Biggs, Co. F, Seventh Conn. Vols. Mustered in Sept. 0th, 
1863. Ee-enlisted Jan. 2nd, 1804. Mustered out July 20th, 1805. 

Henry C. Rogers, Co. I, Second Artillery. Mustered in Aug. lotli, 1802. 
Severely wounded in the hand at the battle of Fort Fisher, Mar. 25th, 1805. 
Mustered out July 7tli, 1805. 

He^iry Rose, Co. H, Twentieth Conn, Vols. Mustered in Aug. 8th, 1802. 
Wounded March 10th, 1805. Mustered out June 2ord, 1805. 

John Ryan, Co. H, 20th Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug. 2()th, 1802. 
Wounded May 3rd, 1803. Discharged, disability, June 31st, 1805. 

PatricTc Ryan, Co. I, Twenty-third Conn. Vols. Mustered in Oct. 0th, 

1802. Honorably discharged July 27th, 1803. Mustered in Third Ind. 
Battery, Sept. 10th, 1804. Mustered out June 23rd, 1865. 

Wm. E. Ryan, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug. 20th, 
1802. Deserted Sept. 11th, 1802. 

David W. Sharpe, Co. B. First Heavy Artillery. Enlisted May 22d, 
1861, Re-enlisted Jan. 1st, 1804. Highly commended by his superior offi- 
cers and recommended for promotion. Mustered out Sept. 25th, 1805. 

Cornelius Shehan, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 23rd, 1804. 
Mustered out June 23rd, 1805. 

Fraiicis Sheldon, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 17th, 1864. 
Mustered out June 23rd, 1865. 

Sylvester Short, Co. F, Twenty-Third Conn. Vols. Mustered in Sept. 
8th, 1862. Honorably discharged at expiration of term of enlistment, Aug. 
31st, 1803. 

Anson Smith, Co. E, First Conn. Vols. Mustered in July 22nd, 1801. 

Geo. A. Smith, Co. E, First Conn. Vols. Mustered in July 22nd, 1801. 
Discharged July 22nd, 1804 •, term expired. 

Wilbnr W. Smith, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in as First 
Lieut. Aug. 15th, 1802. Taken prisoner at Chancellorsville and confined in 
Libby prison. Paroled and exchanged. Promoted Captain Jan. 28th, 1803. 
Mustered out June 13th, 1805. 

Jacob L. Still, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug. 20th, 
1802. Wounded July 3rd, 1803. Transferred to invalid corps iNIar. 15th, 
1804. 

Charles W. Swift, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. jNTustered in Aug. 
20th, 1802. Mustered out June 13th, 1805. 

Reuben W. Thayer, Co. E, Fifth Conn. Vols. Mustered in July 22nd, 
1801. lie-enlisted Dec. 21st, 1803. Wounded. Mustered out July 19th, 1865. 



98 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

Won. Thayer, Co. A, Tenth Conn. Vols. Mustevetl in Oct. 2nd, 18G1. 
Transferred to Signal Corps, Sept. 20th, 1803. 

Bansom P. TomUnson., Co. B, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in May 
22nd, 1801. Deserted July 8th, 1801. Enlisted in Co. B, First Regiment 
Cavalry, Nov. 2nd, 1801. Taken prisoner at the battle of the Wilderness, 
confined at Libby and Andersonville. Exchanged and promoted First Ser- 
geant. Re-enlisted Jan. 4th, 1801. Mustered out Aug. 2nd 1805. 

Lucius B. TruesdeU, Co. D, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in Nov. 
27th, 1803. Killed in action Sept. 12th, 1804, near Petersburg. Aged 11). 

Byron Tuclcer, Co. B, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in Sept. 13th, 
1804. Died at Broadway Landing, Va., Nov. 27th, 1864. 

FrederieTc Tucker, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 17th, 1804. 
Mustered out June 23rd, 1805, 

Wm. Uminger, Co. C, Eleventh Conn. Vols. Mustered in Nov. 14th, 

1801. Wounded Sept. 17th, 1802. Discharged, disability, April 3rd, 1803. 

Hiram Upson, Jr., Sergeant, Co. F, Seventh Conn. Vols. Mustered in 
Sept. 9th, 1801. Died June 18th, 1802, of wounds received at James 
Island, S. C. 

Aaron WaJlcer, colored, Co. H, Twentieth Conn, Vols. Mustered in Dec. 
28th, 1803. Mustered out Oct. 24th, 1805, 

Wm. S. Ward, Musician, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in 
Aug. 15th, 1802. Mustered out June 18th, 1805. 

Augustus White, Musician, Co. B, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in 
May 22nd, 1801. Re-enlisted Jan. 1st, 1804. 

James White, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug. Otli, 

1802. Killed at Peach Pine Creek, Ga., July 20th, 1804. 

Leslie B. Wooster, Co. C, First Conn. Vols. Mustered in Nov, 21st, 
1861, Discharged, disability, June 23rd, 1862. 

Geo. S. Wyant, Sergeant, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. JMustered in 
Aug. 7th, 1802. Died Dec. 15th, 1802. 

Wilson Wyant, Captain, Co. E, Fifth Conn. Vols. Enlisted April 22nd, 
1801 ; mustered in July 22nd. Resigned on account of disability, Jan. 
31st, 1803. 



It will thus be seen that notwithstanding dilierences of opinion which here, 
as throughout the north generally, sometimes gave rise to dissension and 
bitterness, tlie town contributed liberally of men and means to suppress the 
rebellion and sustain the Union, and our representatives in the terrible con- 
test ac([uitted themselves bravely in the defence of the "Red, White and 
Blue." 



SEYMOUFt AXD VICINITY. 99 



*s ©f the Rebellion 

Enllstei Elsewhere, Mt Buried in Seyaionr, or now Residents of tlie Town. 



Jmnes K. A(lam,% Co. E, lotli Coiiu. Vols. Mustered in Aug. Gtli, 18G2. 
Mustered out June 27th, 18G5, at Newberu, S. C. 

T. P. AylesiDorth, Sergeant, Co, E, 5th Vermont Vols. Enlisted Aug. 
27th, 1801. Lost a leg at Fairfax, Va. Honorably discharged Feb. 27th, 
18G2. 

Geo. H. Bartlett, Co. B, 12Stli New York Vols. Mustered in Sept. 4th, 
18G2, at Hudson, N. Y. Mustered out July 12th, 18G5, at Savannah, Ga. 

Edgar Beecher, Co. K, 10th C. V. Mustered in Oct. 5th, 1861, from 
Bethany. Died, Aug. 3rd, 1801, from wounds received at Deep Bottom, 
Va. Buried in the Union Cemetery. 

WiJUam BlaJce, Co. L, First Conn. Cavalry. Mustered in from Hartford, 
Dec. IGth, 18G3. Mustered out Aug. 2nd, 1865. 

John H. Bradley, Co. I, 20th Conn. Vols. Mustered in from Hamden, 
Aug. llth, 18G2. Wounded. iVIustered out June 13th, 18G5. 

Geo. W. Burroughs, Co. D, 15th W. Va. Vols. Mustered in Sept. 8th, 
18G2. Wounded at Winchester and Laurel Hill. ]\Instered out Mav 
12th, 18G5. 

Henry R. Chamherlain, Co. F, 7th Conn. Vols. Mustered in from Bed- 
ding, Nov. 4th, 18G3. Mustered out July 20th, 18G5, at Goldsboro, N. C. 

Horatio 8. Chamherlain, Co. A, 150th N. Y. Vols. Mustered in Sept. 
Cth, 18G2. Mustered out June 8th, 18G5 ; at Washington. 

F. M. demons, corporal, Co. D., 23rd C. V. Mustered in from Hunting- 
ton, Aug. 30th, 18G2. Honorably discharged Aug, 31st, 18G3. 

William 8. Cooper, from Winchester, Co. E, 2nd Conn. Vol. Artillery. 
Enrolled July 31st, 18G2. Promoted Corporal Oct. 4th, 1802 ; promoted 
Sergeant Mar. 22nd 1803 ; promoted First Sergeant Jan. 13th, 1804 ; 
wounded at the battle of Winchester, Va., Sept. l*Jth, 1804 ; promoted Sec- 
ond Lieutenant Feb. 4th, 1804, and ussiirned to Co. D. Discharaed Sept. 
Gth, 1805. 



100 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

Clarlc Ford, Co. I, 1st C. V. Heavy Artillery. Mustered in from Wood- 
bridge, Feb. 10th, 1864. Mustered out Sept. 25th, 1865. 

F. C. Gerard, corporal, Co. H, 23rd C. V. Mustered in from Naugatuck, 
Sept. 2nd, 1862. Honorably discharged Aug. 31st, 1863. 

William HalligaHy Co. E, 52nd Mass., Vol. 

Robert Healey, Corporal, Co. E, 22nd Ind. Vols. Mustered in Sept. 
15th, 1861. Wounded at Perryville, Ken., Oct. 8th, 1862. Ee-enlisted 
December, 1861. Discharged Aug. 1st, 1865. 

Joseph Hitchcoclc, corporal, Co. D, 22ud Conn. Vols. Mustered in from 
Bloomfield, Aug. 23rd, 1862. Honorably discharged July 7th, 1863. 

Joseph Ineson, Co. B, 20th Conn. Vols. Mustered in from Derby, Aug. 
2nd, 1862. Wounded July 20th, 1864. Discharged, disability, Feb. 20th, 
1805. 

Martin 0. Judson, Co. D, 20th C. V. Killed at the battle of Gettys- 
burgh, July 3rd, 1863. Buried in Union Cemetery. 

Charles I). Kelsey, Co. E, 5th Vermont Vols. Mustered in Aug 14th, 
1861. Honorably discharged Sept. 16th, 1864. 

G. F. Kelsey, Co.C, 115th 111. Vols., died in '77. Buried in Union Cemetery. 

James B. Matheics, Co. I, 27th C. V. Mustered in Sept. 1st, 1862, from 
New Haven. Honorably discharged July 27th, 1863. 

William Morris, Co. F, 12th Conn. Vols. Mustered in from Danbury, 
Nov. 23rd, 1861. Re-enlisted Jan. 1st, 1864. Mustered out Aug. 12th, 1865. 

Richard Pearson, Co. K, 6th U. S. Cavalry. Mustered in Sept. 1st, 
1861. Transferred from 3rd Md. in October, 1862. Mustered out Sept. 
3rd, 1864. 

Benjamin B. Thayer, Co. E, 2nd C. V. Heavy Artillery. Mustered in 
from Canton, Aug. 6th, 1862. Mustered out July 7th, 1865, at Washing- 
ton, D. C. 

John Wooster, Mass. Battalion, Cal. Cavalry. Buried in Union Cemetery. 



SEYMOUR AKD VICINITY. 101 



lote^, 18B2 to 1870. 



-:0:- 



Tliere was an extraordinarily heavy rain June 4tli and 5th, 1862, followed 
by a high flood. June was remarkable as a very rainy month and the 
July following as a very dry one. 

At the annual town meeting held Oct. Cth, 1862, Henry Bradley, John 
Davis and Stephen I). Kussell were re-elected selectmen; David Betts, Jr., 
treasurer; Owen Shannon, school visitor. 

An old resident of the vicinity of Bladen's Brook says that the gi'eatest 
freshet ever known on that stream occurred Feb. 7th, 1863. 

At the annual town meeting in October, Harvey Hotchkiss, Stephen R. 
Rider and Nathan Holbrook, were elected selectmen ; B. W. Smith, town 
clerk; David Betts, Jr., treasurer; and John Chatfield, school visitor. 

A teachers' institute was held in the Congregational Church Jan. 7th, 
8th and 9th, 1864, at which thirty-two teachers were present from Ansonia, Bir- 
mingham, Seymour, Oxford, Xaugatuck and Waterbury. Hon. N. D. 
Camp of New Britain, lectured on Common Schools in the evening. 

The Day Brothers' Rubbermill was burned on the night of IVIarch 18th, 
but was immediately rebuilt. 

The name of the "Stone Schoolhouse" district was changed to " Cedar 
Ridge." 

"At the electors' meeting held April 4th, 1864, H. B. Munson was 
elected representative, and the following named persons were elected justices 
of the peace : H. B. Munson, B. W. Smith, J. J. Wilcoxen, C. W. James, 
Wm. B. Stoddard, E. R. Bassett, Israel French, John Chatheld, Adonijah 
French, Leonard Wyant. 

At the annual town meeting held Oct. 3rd, Stephen R. Rider, Charles 
A. Wooster and Nathan Holbrook were elected selectmen ; B. W. Smith, 
town clerk ; C. W. James, treasurer ; and Frederick Durand, school visitor. 
A resolution was adopted instructing the selectmen and school visitors to 
inquire into the expediency of establishing a graded school, to ascertain if 
a suitable building could be rented for the purpose, the probable expense of 
such school, and to report at an adjourned meeting to be held the following 
Saturday. The report was duly made and accepted, and it was voted that 
a school of a higher grade be established. Burton W. Smith, Harvey Hotch- 
kiss and G. W. Divine were appointed a committee to establish and superin- 
tend the school, and to fix a rate of tuition sufiicieut to defray the expense. 
Glendinning Hall was leased for a schoolroom, and IVIiss Hermance was en- 
gaged as teacher. 

At the electors' meeting held Nov. 8th there were 222 votes cast for the 
democratic presidential electors, and 124 for the republican. 



102 SEY.MOUli AXD YICINITY. [18G5-8 

At the annual town meeting held Oct, 2nd, 1865, Henry Bradley, Philo 
Holbrook and Stephen D. Eussell were elected selectmen ; B. W. Smith, 
town clerk ; C. W. James, treasurer ; and O. Evans Shannon, school visitor. 

At the spring election, H, B. Munson was elected representative to the 
General Assembly. 

The house of Capt. James Baker on Great Hill, was burned on the night 
of Nov. 16th, 

H. B. Munson was elected representative April 2nd, 1866. The justices 
elected were J. J, Wilcoxen, H. B. Munson, Israel French, Leonard Wyant, 
Norman Sperry, B. W, Smith, C. W. James, E. K. Bassett, John Chattield, 
Elbert A, Peck. 

At a special meeting held April 3rd, action was taken relative to building 
a town-house with suitable provision for a high school-hoom, and at a subse- 
quent meeting it was voted to build, not to exceed 40x70 feet ; but at a meet- 
ing held May 18th, to act on a report of the committee as to plan and specifi- 
cations, the whole matter was indefinitely postponed. 

The Fengot Coal Co, was organized in 1866, for the preparation of com- 
pressed fuel from peat, A large swamp near the Woodbridge line was pur- 
chased, building erected, machinery obtained, and some of tlie fuel prepared 
for use. The venture proved unprofitable and the business was closed up at 
great loss to the stockholders, one of whom stated that his patent fuel had 
cost him one thousand dollars per ton. 

The Rimmon Water Company was organized July 2nd, 1866, and soon 
after commenced building a dam at the place where an abutment had been 
built in 1850. The work was vigorously pushed forward under the direction 
of Eaymond French, and finally completed and the gates closed Oct. 27th, 
1867, at a cost of $65,000, The plate or overflow is about 300 feet long and 
the fall nineteen feet. 

The selectmen elected Oct, 1st, were Wm, A, Fairchild, Samuel P, Davis 
and Charles A. Wooster ; town clerk, Edward F. Bassett; treasurer, Na- 
than R. Wooster ; school visitors, Joshua Kendall and C, W, James ; high 
school committee, G. W. Divine, Sylvester Smith and S, Y. Beach. 

On the 15th of March, 1867, the Naugatuck rose rapidly until at the 
mouth of the river it was fourteen feet and five inches above low water mark. 

At the April election H, B, Munson was again elected representative to 
the General Assembly. 

In October Wm, F, Betts was elected town clerk ; Henry G, Hurd, 
Stephen R, Rider and Adonijah French, selectmen ; Henry Davis, town 
treasurer and school visitor. 

A series of revival meetings were commenced in the M, E, Church, 
Rev, Joseph Pullman, pastor, December, 1867, and continued through Janu- 
ary and February, 1868, resulting in quite a number of conversions, A 
series of similar meetings were commenced in the Congregational Church 
Feb. 9th, under the direction of Rev. Allan Clark, 

On the 10th of February, 1868, the Naugatuck rose to thirteen feet and 
three inches above low water mark at Derby, 

At the electors' meeting held April 6th, Carlos French was again elected 
to representative, and H, B, Munson, Adam Newheim, E, R. Bassett, James 
Howard, Israel French, Lewis Judd, ^Matthias liunyan, C, W, James, 
Leman W^hitlock and Philo Holbrook were elected justices of the ])eace. 

On the 4th of October, 1868, the Naugatuck rose to the highest point 
reached in fifteen years, while Little river and Bladen's brook were foaming 



J808-1)] SEYMUUK AND VICINITY. 10.3 

torrents. Two britla^es on Bladen's Brook were carried away and tlie new 
stone l)rid<>-e by Ames' factory was nincli dania_i;(Ml. About tliirty feet of the 
wall of the raceway below Kalniia .Alills, was also carried away, stopping all 
the factories on tlu; main stream. 

At the annual meeting held Oct. 5th. 18GS, Stephen H. Culver, Samuel P. 
Davis and Ceo. W. Divine were electcul selectmen; S. II. Canfield, town 
clerk ; Henry Davis, treasurer ; Joshua Kendall, school visitor ; Joshua 
Kendall and Henry B. Beecher, assessors; Joshua Kendall and Henry 
Bradley, registrars of electors ; Joseph fl. Wilcoxen, S. -H. Cantield, C. 
W. Divine, Ashbel Storrs, Henry P. Davis, Israel French, grand jurors; 
Sylvester Smith aiid Sharon Y. Beach, board of relief. The total vote was 
359; average republican majority, ,■}(). 

At an adjourned town meeting held Oct. lUth, the following resolutions 
were adopted : 

Besolred, That the selectmen be instructed to cause their annual rejjort 
to iie printed, and have at least live hundred co])ies, to be left at the town 
clerk's office on or before the 158th of September in each year, for distribution 
among the voters of the town. Such report shall contain the amount of each 
bill and to whom paid, the amount paid for the supi)ort of the poor out of 
the Alms H(mse, and for whom the expense was incurred, the amount 
l»aid to each town ofticer for services, and any other information A\'hich 
they may deem necessary to show the expenses and indebtedness of the town ; 
to ^yhich shall be added the repoi't of the toA\n treasurer. 

liesolredj That the school districts of this town be consolidated into one 
school district, to be known as the Seymour School District, and that chapter 
87 of the laws passed j\Iay session, 1807, are hereby referred to and nurde 
part of this regulation. 

At an adjourned town meeting held Oct. loth, the following named per- 
sons were elected a committee of the Seymour School District: Eli Cillette, 
C. W. Storrs, J. \V. Bassett, .loshua Kendall, C. W. James, Harpin Kiggs, 
Joel 11. ChatHeld, Peter Worth, Henry Davis. At the first meeting of 
the school board J. Kendall was chosen chairman ; Henry Davis, Secretary 
and treasurer ; and J. Kendall and Henry Da^is, school visitors. 

The funeral of Carl Zurcher, junior agent of the Kalmia Mills, De(;. 
10th, was attended by a large concourse of his friends. He had resided in 
Seymour four and a half years, and was highly esteemed by those who knew 
him best. 

The rebuilding of Smith's i)apermill, which was burned Jan. 11th, 1809, 
was completed in March. The Kalmia Mills Vo. contracted for three dwel- 
ling houses of four tenements each to be erected on Third street. Business 
was thriving and the place grew rapidly, the grand list of the town exceed-' 
ing $1,000,000. Messrs. Ilendryx & Peck purchased the old car shop north 
of the depot and remodelled it into a store and several tenements. 

At the April election Philo Holbrook was elected representative to the 
General Assembly of 1809. 

. The second me(;ting of the Seymour School District for the election of 
members of the board, was held in the High School room Sept. li'Jth, and 
Elliott li. Bassett, Samuel A. Beach and Henry Davis were elected for 
three years. 

lu October the town clerk and selectmen were re-elected: S. II. Can- 
field was elected treasun-r ; Jesliua Kt-ndall and Henry liradley, registrars 
of voters; .loshua Kendall and W. W. Smitii, assessors; Ashbel Storrs, (J. 
^V. Divine, N. li:. ^^'ooster, Eli Cillette, J. \V. Smith and Norman Sperry, 



104 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY 



grand jurors ; and John W. Bassett, registrar of births, marriages and 
deaths. 

Kahnia Mills were closed the following winter, and in its failure seemed 
to betoken decreased prosperity for the ensuing decade ; yet the place has 
continued to grow, and in 1877 the population was at least five hundred more 
than in 1870. The debt of the town, which in 1869, was over twenty-three 
thousand dollars, has virtually been paid, only two bonds, not yet due, being 
outstanding, and these more than balanced by the assets of the town. The 
various industries of the town are now improving and there seems to be no 
reason why the season of depression through which we have just passed 
should not be followed by prosperity and renewed growth. 



TOWN CLERKS, TREASUKERS AND REPRESENTATIVES. 







TOWN 


CLERKS. 


TREASURKKS. 


REPRESENTATIVES. 


1850- 


-Charles B. 


Wooster. 


Sylvester Smith. 


* Sylvester Smith. 


1851 


u 




a 


Burton W. Smith. 


Bennett VA^ooster. 


1852 


u 




a 


a a 


Sylvester Smith. 


1853 


a 




a 


a a 


Harris B. Muuson. 


1854 


a 




ii 


a ii 


ii ii 


1855 


iC 




ii 


a a 


Luzon B. Morris. 


1856 


ii. 




a 


Hiram AV. Randall. 


u a 


1857 


a 




ii 


Burton AY. Smith, 


Henry C. Johnson. 


1858 


u 




a 


a a 


Charles B. A\^ooster, 


1859 


it 




ii 


Henry S. Johnson. 


Samuel L. Bronsou. 


1860 


u 




u 


ii a 


Carlos French. 


1861 


a 




a 


David Betts, Jr. 


Clark AA^ooster. 


1862 


a 




a 


a a u 


Abel Holbrook. 


1863- 


-Burton W. 


Smith. 


a ii a 


Harris B. Munson. 


1864 


(( 




a 


Cornelius AY. James. 


u u 


1865 


a 




u 


a a 


ii ii 


1866- 


-Edwa 


I'd p. 


Bassett. 


Nathan R. AYooster. 


ii ii 


1867- 


-AVilliam F. 


Betts. 


Henry Davis. 


ii ii 


1868- 


-Samuel H. 


Canfield. 


a a 


Carlos French. 


1869 


a 




ii 


Samuel H. Canfield. 


Philo Holbrook. 


1870 


a 




a 


a ii 


A^irgil H. McEwen. 


1871 


a 




a 


a ii 


Smith Botsford. 


1872 


u 




a 


a a 


James Swan. 


1873 


a 




a 


u u 


Horatio N. Egglestou, 


1874 


a 




a 


a a 


Edmund Day. 


1875 


a 




a 


ii a 


Lewis A. Camp. 


1876 


u 




ii 


a a 


Henry P. Day. 


1877 


u 




a 


a ii 


Samuel A. Beach. 


1878 


ii. 




ii 


a ii 


Albert B. Dunham, 


*For 


Town of 


Derby 


. Joshua Kendall represented the town of Derby in 1849. 



SEYMOUll a:N^D vicinity. 105 

SELECTMEN OF THE TOWN OF SEYMOUR. 

1850-51, Lenian CliutlieUl, Daniel L. Holbrook, Thomas Cochran. 

1852, Isaac B. Davis, Sharon Y. Beach, Harpin Kiggs. 

1853, Leman Chatfield, Ilarpin Rigg's, Jabez E. Pritchard. 

1854, Ilarpin Kiggs, Jabez E. I'ritchard, Henry Bradley, 

1855, Jabez E. Pritchard, Henry Bradley, Pliilo Ilolbrook. 
185G, Sheldon Church, Miles Culver, Daniel L. Holbrook. 
1857-8, Henry Bradley. Edwin Smith, Abel Holbrook. 
1859-GO, Henry Bradley, Edwin Smith, Stephen I). Kussell. 
1801-2, Henry Bradley, John Davis, Stephen D. Russell. 

1803, Harvey Hotchkiss, Stephen R. Rider, Nathan Holbrook. 

1804, Stephen R. Rider, Charles A. Wooster, Nathan Holbrook. 

1805, Henry Bradley, Philo Holbrook, Stephen D. Russell. 
1800, Wm. A. Fairchild, Samuel P. Davis, Charles A. Wooster. 
1807, Henry G. Hurd, Stephen R. Rider, Adonijah French. 
1808-9, Stephen H. Culver, Samuel P. Davis, George W. Divine. 

1870, Sharon Y. Beach, Nathan R. Wooster, Samuel P. Davis. 

1871, Edwin Smith, Prank C. Gerard, Edwin Buckingham. 

1872, Edwin Smith, Frank C. Gerard, Roswell N. Kinney. 

1873, Lewis A. Camp, Frank C. Gerard, Roswell N. Kinney. 

1874, Lewis A. Camp, Cornelius W. James, Samuel P. Davis. 

1875, Lewis A. Camp, Cornelius W. James, Frederick M. demons. 
1870, Lewis A. Camp, Frank E. Steele, Fi-ederick M. demons. 

1877, Lewis A. Camp, Frank E. Steele, Edward L. Hoadley. 

1878, Horace A. Radford, Frank E. Steele, Edward L. Hoadley. 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

For lists previous to 1870 see foregoiug pages. 

1870, II. B. Munson, J. J. Wilcoxen, B. W. Smith, Israel French, Na- 
than Holbrook, Matthias Bunyan, Samuel Roselle, David Betts, Jr., Adam 
Newheim, S. Y. Beach. 

1872, H. B. Munson, Geo. A. Rogers, Wm. S. Cooper, Henry P. Davis, 
Edwin Tomlinson, Geo. W. Divine, Wilson Wyant, Henry B. Beecher, C. 
AV. James, Sheldon Tucker. 

1874, G. W. Divine, James Swan, L. A. Camp, Ebenezer Fairchild, 
W. N. Storrs, S. Y. Beach, S. P. Davis, W. S. Cooper, F. M. demons, C. 
W. James. 

1870, F. M. demons, Wm. R. Tomlinson, G. W. Divine, W. S. 
Cooper, H. S. Chamberlin, J. VV. Rogers, Samuel Butler, S. Y. Beach, 
Ashbel Storrs, Theodore S. Ladd. 

1878, Edwin Buckingham, Gustave Becker, John W. Rogi^rs, Frederick 
M. demons, William R. Tomlinson, James Buckley, Horatio S. Cham- 
berlin, Ashbel Storrs, John Smith, William S. Coo])er. 



106 



SEYMOUK AXD VICINITY. 




fi-Q^NTIL 185G tlie scliools were managed by districts and scliool societies. 
The districts on the east side of tlie river constituted tlie First iSchool 
Society, and those on the west side tlie Second School Society. The 
^ij; meetings of the hitter were hehl in tlie meeting house on Great Hill 
=4"^ from 1824 to 1851, when the whole of the districts of Seymour were 
united in one Society. The IsTaugatuck river was made the division line 
between the two societies by an act of the Assembly in 1832. (Pr. Acts, Vol. 
2, p. 1086.) In 1841 the boundaries were defined as follows : 

We tbe School Committee of the Second School Society in the Town of Derby have laid and 
established the fourth Day of June, A. D., 18412, the following described bounds and limits to the 
2d School Society hi Derby, viz., comraeuciug at the Town bounds between Derby and Oxford, on 

the west side of the highway a few rods of the House now occupied by Oliver Nettleton, thence 

proceeding in a direct line south-westerly to the former site of the old District School House at 
the center of which site we have laid bounds ; theuce proceeding in a direct line a little south of west 
to bounds laid by us near an old cellar about three rods south of a large pine tree, said hounds on the 
highway near the fence, thence proceeding in a direct line a little south of east to a large rock a little 
otf the road near the house of Jube Weston, by a spring, on which rock we have laid bounds ; theuce 

proceeding in a direct line south easterly to bounds laid by us on the highway about two rods of 

small house now occupied by the widow of Ephraim Allen and James Harding; thence proceeding 
iu the same direction until the line strikes Naugatuck river; from thence said district is bounded on 
the east and separated from the first society by Naugatuck river until it meets the line between 
Derby and Oxford, when it strikes the west side of the said river; from thence said district is bound- 
ed on the north by said town line, running west until it strikes the bounds on the highway first com- 
menced at. Said boundaries of the above named district, so far as they have not been legally settled 
and defined before, are hereby settled and defined by us. 

ANSON DAVIS, ) Society 

JAMES C. TOMLINSON, S Committek. 

At each annual meeting of the Second Society were elected a moderator, 
clerk, treasurer, a society's committee of three, a visiting committee of nine, 
and until 1840 the district committees were elected at the Society's meetings. 

The Shrub Oak district appears to have Ik^cu first included in the Second 
Society in 1831. 

At a special meeting of the voters of the (ireat Hill School Society held 
Sept. 30th, 1851, it was voted that the fund of the Great Hill School Society 
be divided equally between the four districts, and that the first meeting of the 



SEYMOUR AND VK^IXITY. 107 

School Society of Seymour be liekl in the ('ougreiiatioiiiil Cliurcli in Ilum- 
phreysviHe. At the said first nieetiiig Daniel L. Ilolbrook was elected chair- 
luan ; 15. W. Smith, clerk; (1. F. DeForest, treasurer; Sylvester Smith, S. 
Y. Beach and Jlarpin Kiggs, society's committees; John I>. Steel, collector; 
and Joshua Ivendall, visiting and examining committee, Tiie numbers of the 
districts were continued the same exce]»t that the Falls district, now the ('enter 
district, which had been known as the eighth, was made the sixth. 

At a special meeting of the Seymour School District held Feb 1st, 18G9, 
it was voted to purchase a lot in the Pines and to build thereon a school-house 
of sufficient ca})acity to accomodate KiO scholars. A tax was to be laid suffi- 
cient to raise the sum of .$(>,0()0 to defray the expensi^s. The lot was \nxv- 
chased at a cost of $700 and is still held by the town, but on account of ob- 
jections t(» the location the school-house has not been built. 



SCHOOL YISIT0E8 OF THE TOWN OF SEYMOUR. 

ELECTED IN SCHOOL SOCIETY MEETINGS. 

1850 to ISo.j, Joshua Kendall. 
1855-6, Sylvester Smith. 

ELECTED IN TO^YN MEETING, FOE THREE YEARS EACH. 

Tlie stars indicate those elected eacli year. 

1856-7, George F. DeForest,* Philo B. Buckingham,* Luzon li. Morris,* 
1857-8, Joshua Kendall,* Sharon Y". Beach.* 

1858-0, Joshua Kendall, Sharon Y. Beach, Philo B. Buckingham,* 
1859-00, Joshua Kendall, Sharon Y. Beach,* Philo B. Buckingham. 
1800-1, Joshua Kendall,* Sharon Y. Beach, Philo B. Buckingham. 
1861-2, Joshua Kendall, Sharon Y. Beach, Charles B. Wooster.* 
1862-3, Joshua Kendall, Charles B. Wooster, Rev. Owen E. Shannon.* 
1803-4, Kev. Owen E. Shannon, Frederick Durand, John Chattteld.* 

F. Duraud elected by the other visitors to fill vacancy caused by the resignation of C. B. Wooster. 

1364-5, Rev. Owen E. Shannon, Frederick Durand,* John Chatfield. 
1865-6, Rev. O. Evans Shannon,* Frederick Durand, John Chatfield. 
1866-7, Rev. O. Evans Shannon, Frederick Durand, Cornelius W. James.* 

V. Durand resigned May ~'l, 18(57, and J. Kendall was elected to fill the vacancy. 

1867-8, Joshua Kendall, Cornelius W. James, Henry Davis.* 

ELECTED BY TIIE BOARD OF EDUCATION. 

1868-9, Joshua Kendall, Cornelius W. James, Henry Davis. 

1869-70, Joshua Kendall, Cornelius W. James, Henry Davis. 

1870-1, Joshua Kendall. 

1871-2, Joshua Kendall, Edmund Day, Harpin Itiggs. 

1872-3, Joshua Kendall, Samuel P. Davis. 

1873-4, Joshua Kendall, Norman Sperry. 

1874-5, Joshua Kendall, Virgil H. McEwen, Xorman Sperry. 

1875-6, Joshua Kendall, Virgil H. McEwen, William C. Sharpe. 

1876-7, Joshua Kendall, Virgil H. McEwen, William C. Sharpe. 

1877-8, Joshua Kendall, William C. Sharpe. 

1878-9, Joshua Kendall, William C. Sharjie. 



108 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY, 

MEMBERS OE THE BOARD OF EDUCATION. 

ELECTED IN UNION SCHOOL MEETING. 

1868, elected for one year — Cornelius James, Henry Davis, Eli Gillette. 
For two years — Harpin Riggs, John W. Bassett, John R. Chatfiehl. 
For three years — Joshua Kendall, Peter Worth, C. W. Storrs. 
18G9, Elliott R. Bassett, Samuel A. Beach, Henry Davis. 

Carlos French was elected by the board June 6tli, 1870, to till the vacancy caused by the re- 
moval of Henry Davis. 

1870, Harpin Riggs, Wilbur W. Smith, John W. Bassett. 

1871, Joshua Kendall, Edmund Day, Thomas James. 

ELECTED IN TOWN MEETING. 

1872, Carlos French, A. Y. Beach, Samuel P. Davis. 

A. Y. Beach resigned Nov. 12th and S. H. Canfield was appointed by the Board to till the vacancy. 

1873, Sharon Y. Beach, Norman Sperry, H. N. Eggleston. 

1874, V. H. McEwen, Joshua Kendall", Edmimd Day. 

1875, S. H. Canfield, Carlos French, William C. Sharpe. 

187G, Sharon Y. Beach, Frederick M. Clemons, Nathan Holbrook. 

1877, Edmund Day, Joshua Kendall, Norman Sperry. 

V. H. McEwen elected to fill vacancy caused by resignation of Norman Sperry, until the next 

town election. 

1878, S. H. Canfield, W. C. Sharpe, David Tucker, James Howard. 

James Howard to till vacancy for two years. 



GREAT HILL' SCHOOL, No. 1. 

This is probably the oldest school in the town. An abstract of a volume 
of the earlier records is given on pages 19 and 20. 

At a meeting of the Second Society held Nov. 7th, 1831, Wm. Smith, 
Samuel Wire and Samuel Meigs were appointed a committee to designate a 
location for a new school-house in the First or Great Hill District, and 
decided upon the north-east angle of the roads below the present location of 
the church. 

The district line was changed by vote of the school society Oct. 12, 1843, 
as follows : 

Resolved, That so much of the 1st school district, 2d society in Derby, be and hereby is, set 
off to the 5th school district in Oxford, as lies north and west of a line beginning at the Oxford line, 
by the dwelling-house of Andrew S. Graham, running southeasterly to the corner of roail leadijig 
to Rock-house Hill ; thence by said road to the corner of land of Abel and Benjamin English, near 
the house of Christopher Smith ; thence northwesterly to Oxford line, including the bouse of Abel 
and Benjamin English. 

The lines were laid out anew Nov. 1st, 1843, as follows : 

Whereas, The record defining the lines of the Great Hill School District in the second school 
society in Derby being lost, and the undersigned committee being empowered by an act of the legis- 
lature of the State of Connecticut, passed 1841, to layout new and establish old lines, do make 
and establish the following lines, which shall constitute the school district of Great Hill, viz : Begin- 
ning eighty rods from the mouth of Toby Brook on 2d brook; thence in a straight line to the north- 
east corner of Monroe Scranton's farm ; thence in a straight line to Josiah Bassett's saw mill; thence 
in a straight line to the west side of the highway, running by the dwelling-house formerly belonging 
to Truman Hawkins, now Anson Davis; thence on the west side of said highway until opposite a 
pine tree standing near the Rowe place, so-called ; thence in a straight line to the town bounds lying 
in the highway some thirty or forty rods south of Stephen Baldwin's dwelling-house; thence on the 
town line until it comes in a parallel line with the road south of Abel and Benjamin English ; thence 
following the lines of that part of said English farm lying north of said road to tlie town line ; thence 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 109 

on town line to a stone bridge near the dwelling-house of widow Ammon Toralinson; thence on the 
town Hue to the northwest corner of Bennet Lum's farm, adjoining Simeon Ilinman's land; thence 
in a straight line to the place of beginning. The above lines shall constitute and define the school 
district of the Great Hill. 

LUTHER FOWLER,) 
EPHRAIM SMITH, > Society Committee. 
Done in Derby, Nov. 1st, 1813. WM. D. LUM, ) 



In 1852, by joint action of the School Society and the 1st and 4th dis- 
tricts, the Squautuck district was consolidated with the Great Hill district, 
and the lines were defined as follows : 

Whereas, The legal voters of the school society in the town of Seymour, at a meeting warned 
and held on the 3rd day of July, 1852, voted to annex the Squantuck School District to the First 
School District in said school society; Therefore, We, the undersigned Society's Committee, hereby 
establish the following described lines and boundaries annexed, viz : Beginning at the Ousatonic 
river, at the mouth of the Old Field brook at the boundary of the school society line between Derby 
and Seymour, running easterly on said line to the late dwelling-house of Philo Lum, deceased, 
leaving said dwelling-house in the North District in Derby School Society ; thence running easterly 
on school society line to a heap of stones on a rock at the west corner of Asa Bassett's land, about 
thirty rods southerly of the house occupied by Miles Bronson ; thence running northerly by the Bunga 
School District to Josiah Bassett's saw mill ; thence northerly in a straight line to the west side of 
the highway at the east side of the Beard laud, so called, southerly of the dwelling-house of Marcus 
Davis; thence on the west side of said highway till opposite a pine tree standing near the Rowe 
place, so called ; thence north-we.'.terly to the old town bounds in the highway, about thirty rods 
south of the house of Stephen Baldwin; thence west on society line between Oxford and Seymour 
to the west side of highway in front of the dwelling-house of Andrew S. Graham; thence south- 
westerly to the corner of the road leading to Rock-bouse Hill ; the:;ce by said road to the corner of 
land of Abel and Benjamin English, near the house of Christopher Smith ; thence north-westerly to 
the school society line between Oxford and Seymour; thence on said line to stone bridge on Rock- 
house Hill road, north of the Ammon Tomlinson place, so called ; thence on society line to the 
north-west corner of Bennet Lum's farm, adjoining Simeon Hiumau's land; thence straight line to 
the south end of Otter Rocks on the Ousatonic river; theiiceby the east side of the Ousatonic river 
to the first-mentioned bounds ; and the above-described lines and boundaries hereby constitute the 
boundaries of the First School District in Seymour. 

Dated at Seymour, Feb. 22d, 185.5. HIRAM UPSON. ' ( Society's Committee. 

The above is a true record. Attest : 

B. W. SMITH, Clerk. 

At a town meeting held Oct. 1st, 1877, it was voted that a new school- 
house be built at an expense of $700 and that the location be changed to the 
angle of the roads on the Hill near the house of Win. R. Tomlinson, The 
building was completed about the first of January, 1878, 

TEACHERS. 



1826, Henry Scott. 

1827, Eliza Russell, Heury Burton. 

1828, Maria Watties, Simon Cnrtiss, Jr. 

1829, Jane Tomlinson, Simon Curtiss, Jr. 

1830, Catherine Umbertield, S. Curtiss, Jr. 

1831, Jane Fowler, Simon Curtiss, Jr. 



1832, Betsey Tomlinson, JuLu Kiygs, Jr 

1833, Jane Fowler, Simon Curtiss, Jr. 

1834, Lilly Wakeley, John Liudley. 

1835, Jane Fowler, Silas Hard. 

1836, Sarah A. Benham, Simon Curtiss, Jr. 

1837, Mary A. Smith, Uavid Hawes. 



110 SEYMOUR AN 

1838, Sarah Lindley. 

1839, Miss Davis, John Lindley. 

1840, Sarah E. Gilbert, Judson Candee. 

1841, Sarah M. Osborn, John Lindley. 

1842, Eliza. A. Mansfield, Merwin Bowen 

1843, Ann Eliza Shelton, Abel Holbrook. 

1844, C. A. Fowler, A. T. Hotchkiss. 

1845, Elizabeth Durand, Merwin Bowen. 

1846, Maria Chatfield, William Bristol. 

1847, Jano M. Wooster, Albert E. Smith. 

1848, Jane M. Wooster. 

1849, Frances E. Wooster, Gid. H. Candee, 

1850, Eliza Lum, Betsey Cable. 

1851, Rossetta Bassett, Henry Harger. 

1852, Mary Bradley, Charles Gillette. 

1853, Augusta Sanford. 

1854, Juliette Wooster, John Allen. 

1855, Augusta Sanford, Clark E. Lum. 

1856, Julia A. Fairchild, John Smith. 

1857, Julia A. Fairchild, Marcus E. Hyde. 



D VICINITY. 

1858, Nancy Sutton, R. S. Hinman. 

1859, Mary F. Meacham, Clark E. Lum. 

1860, Elvira W. Somers, Eben G. Wheeler. 

1861, Elvira W. Somers, Jane E. Tyrrell. 

1862, Jane E. Tyrell. 

1863, Frances E. Wheeler, H. A. Tomlinson 

1864, Martha E. Davis, John Killon. 

1865, Martha E. Davis, C. C. Burwell. 

1866, C. C. Burwell, Martha E. Davie. 
1867-8, Martha E. Davis. 

1869, Sophia Davis. 

1870, Virginia Davis. 

1871, Emily A. Smith, Emmarette Sperry. 

1872, C. E. Lum, E. Sperry, C. E. Lum. 

1873, C. E. Lum, 2 t ; Matilda Smith. 

1874, Rufus Spencer, Lottie E. Booth. 

1875, Rufus Spencer, Clara S. Rider. 

1876, Clara S. Rider, Hattie Riggs. 

1877, Josie E. Ladd. 

1878, Rufus Spencer, Phoebe Tomlinson. 



SHRUB OAK SCHOOL, No. 2. 

The records of the Shrub Oak District not having been handed over to 
the town clerk, are not now available, and but little account can be given of 
it. The district seem to have been set oif Dec. 27th, 1779. See page 47. 
The names of the teachers, so far as ascertained, are : 

Winter terms of 1846-7, 1847-8, 1848-9, Frederick Durand. 

Oct., 1861, to April, 1863, Rhoda Kendall. 

Summer of 1866, Sarah Swift. 

Fall of 1866 to Dec, 1876, C. C. Burwell. 

Jan., 1877, to July, 1878, Harriet Riggs. 

Sept., 1878, Josie E. Ladd. 



BUNGAY SCHOOL, No. 3. 

Records not filed in town clerk's office. 

TEACHERS. 

May, 1867 to Oct., 1868, Emma S. Tomlinson. . 
Oct., 1868, to July, 1869, Sarah M. Riggs. 
Sept., 1869, to April, 1870, Alice Northrop. 
April, 1870, to July, 1872, Sarah M. Riggs. 
Sept., 1872, to July, 1873, L. Davis. 
Sept., 1873, to July, 1874, Ellen C. Hard. 
Sept., 1874, to July, 1875, Hattie J. Riggs. 
Sept., 1875, to 1878, Hattie Bassett. 



SEYMOUR AND VICIXITY 



111 



CEDAR RIDGE SCHOOL, No. 4. 

The fifth district was divided in 1837, the new district, called the seventh, 
being bounded southerly by a line from the mouth of Bladen's brook, easterly 
to the Woodbridge line, passing south of the house of Samuel 11. Hickox. 
The first meeting of the new district was held Aug. 30th, and arrangements 
commenced for building a school-house. The location was selected by Joel 
White, Isaac White and Joel R. ('hatfield, and at a meeting held Sept. 20th 
it was voted to accept the proposals of Solomon Terrell to build a stone school- 
house, IS X 25 feet, 7i feet clear, with six windows of 24 lights and one of 9 
lights, to be plastered inside and out, with a hall of five feet in width at one 
end, and two doors from the hall ; the whole to be completed for $175. 
Terrell was afterward allowed $8 for extra work, and some slab benches and 
sloping boards for writing-desks, with a stove and desk and chair for teacher, 
completed this "temple of science" in time for the winter school. It was 
found necessary to remove the partition in 1843 to enlarge the school-room. 
The teacher was then paid $2.25 per week and required to "board around." 
Board being then estimated at $1.75, the teacher's services were valued at 
$4 per week, teaching five and one-half days. The next year the price was 
raised one dollar per week. In 1852 it became evident that a larger school- 
house was needed, and in July it was voted to build 26 x 40 feet, but at a 
subsequent meeting the matter was indefinitely postponed. 

January 31st, 1868, it was voted to build a new school-house, and Smith 
Botsford, Ashbel Storrs and Joel R. Chatfield were appointed building com- 
mittee. The size finally determined upon was 27A x 34 feet, to cost $1,700, 
including furniture of the best patterns. The school-house was well built, by 
Ashbel Storrs, and is a credit to the district. Up to 1863 the building had 
been known as the "Stone School-house." The name, "Cedar Ridge," was 
then given to the school and has since been retained. 

Charles Oatman was clerk of the district from 1837 to 1849, and Sylves- 
ter Smith from 1849 until the schools of the town were consolidated in 1868. 

The old stone building, small, inconvenient and antiquated, is yet the 
subject of many pleasant reminiscences by teachers and scliolars, now scattered 
among the scenes of busy life, to whom tlie following list of teachers will 
recall pleasant memories of by -gone days. 



TEACHERS. 



1841, A. T. Hotcbkiss, winter term. 

1842, Frances N. Thomas, two terms. 

1843, Laura Tomliusou, George Bassett. 

1844, Laura Tomliuson, H. B. Muusou. 

1845, Miss Faircbild, H. B. Munson. 

1846, Charlotte M. Smith, Jane E. Terrell. 

1847, Annie Holcomb, Wm. E. Hoibrook. 

1848, Henry Warren. 

1849, Rosetta Bassett, Mrs. P. E. Clark. 

1850, Rosetta Bassett, Mary A. Wooster. 

1851, Miss Faircbild, Frederick Durand. 

1852, M. A. Wooster, Frederick Durand. 

1853, Miss Hull, Frederick Durand. 

1854, M. A. Wooster, Thomas Munson. 



1855, Eliza Clark, Thomas Munson. 

1856, Charles T. Hotcbkiss, Miss Upson. 

1857, Eliza J. Tuttle, two terms. 

1858, Jane Doolittle, Clark Lum. 

1859, Marietta Benham, David Hawley. 

1860, Laura M. French, Joel F. Selleck. 

1861, Kate McKay, Clark E. Lum. 

1862, Lucy A. Atwood, two terms. 

1863, Julia Leavenworth, W. C. Sharpe. 

1864, Mrs. M. A. Gleason, Miss Swift. 
1H65, Josephine A. Walker. 

1866, Minerva Bassett, Miss Bradley. 

1867, Mary Chatfield, three terms. 

1868, Mary Cbatbebl. 



liQ SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

1869, Mary Chatfield, Josephine Walker. 

1870, J. Walker, 2 t; L. C. Chatfield. 

1871, L. Cornelia Chatfield. 

1872, L. Cornelia Chatfield. 

1873, L. Cornelia Chatfield. 



1874, L. Cornelia Chatfield, C. F. Abbott 
Libbie O. Lockwood. 

1875, Libbie O. Lockwood. 

1876, Clara F. Abbott, E. O. Lockwood. 
1877-8, Libbie O. Lockwood. 



DISTRICT COMMITTEES. 


1837, Isaac White. 


1851, Ashbel Storrs. 


1838, Jared Bassett. 


1852, Samuel Hickox. 


1839, Sylvester Smith. 


1853, Henry W. Benedict. 


1840, Oliver Stoddard. 


1854, Smith Terrell. 


1841, Samuel Bassett. 


18.55, Wm. B. Watson. 


1842, Hiram Upson. 


1856, David Johnson. 


1843, Joel R. Chatfield, 


1857, Wm. F. Gilyard. 


1844, Smith Botsford. 


1858, Wilson Wyant. 


1845, Israel French. 


1859, Wm. W. Dibble. 


1846, Julius Bassett. 


1860, Lorenzo M. Bassett, 


1847, Wm. B. Watson. 


1861-2, Smith Terrell. 


1848, David Johnson. 


1863-6, Ashbel Storrs. 


1849, Stephen H. Culver. 


1867, Joel R. Chatfield, (app. by Sch. Vis.) 


1850, George Merrick. 


1868, David Johnson. 



THE BELL SCHOOL, No. 5. 

In 1769 Joseph Johnson deeded a piece of land on the east side of Pearl 
street, a little south of the house of Smith Terrell, for a location for a school 
house, as follows : 

Know all men by these Presents, that I, Joseph Johnson of Derby in the 
County oj New Haven, Collony of Connecticut, New England, do firmly set, remit ^- releas 
unto the proprietors of the third Destrict for Schooling in Derby, one certain piece of land pitch 
■upon by the proprietors of the third Destrict, to set up a School House upon for the benefit of 
Said Destrict, containing twenty feet sqttare, for the term of Ninety Nine years Next Coming 
the Date hereof, to have ^- to hold it for the use said schoolhouse. 

Furthermore I the said Johnson do promi» for myself, my heirs, Executors ^- Adminis- 
trators, to defend the Same from all Claims and demands whatsoever. In witness tchereof 
I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 5th Bay of may in the year of our Lord, one 
thousand Seven hundred Sixty Nine. 

Signed, sealed and delivered i>i presents of 

Benjamin Crawford. JOSEPH JOHNSON. 

Hezekiah Johnson. 

This school-house seems to have been occupied about forty years. In 
that time the number of the district was changed to six, and in 1799 it was 
known as the Chusetown District. 

At a school meeting held in the school-house September, 27th, 1799, 
Lieut. E. Beecher Johnson was chosen moderator and Bradford Steele, Jr., 
clerk. At this meeting Oalvin Lines was engaged to teach the school six 
months at $11 per month, or, if he should continue a year, he was to teach at 
$10.50 per month. At an adjourned meeting, held October 7th at the house 
of Joseph Johnson, Leroy Tomlinson and Bezaleel Peck were chosen a com- 
mittee "to pitch a stake for a school-house." 

On the 21st of iS'ovember, 1803, it was voted that Daniel Holbrook and 
Amadeus Dibble be a committee to repair the school-bouse and build an 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 113 

addition 14: feet long with two chimneys, the whole to be completed by Oct. 
4, 1804, and painted Spanish brown. Chauncey Johnson was elected district 
committee. 

On the 8th day of February, 1804, the following persons were recorded as 
residents of the district : " Levi Tomlinson, Esq., Joel Chatfield, Jesse Johnson, 
Ebenezer B. Johnson, Amadeus Dibel, Daniel Holbrook, Jn^'., Enoch French, 
Gibson Smith, Isaac Johnson, Amos Dorman, Bezaleel Peck, Isaac Chais, 
Ebenezer Peck, Charles French, John AVheler, Samuel Smith, Jarvis Downs, 
Elephas Bradley, John White, Isaac Bostick, Joseph Johnson, Benjamin 
Beach, Simeon Beach, Hnzekiah Johnson, Erazmass Sperry, Ashbell Steel, 
John Crawford, Lydia Keney, Phebe Dayton, Hanah Stodard, Nathan Stiles, 
Silas Baldwin, Elezer Patchen, James Leach, Charles Deal, Mary Bartis, 
Sebrie Molthroop, Bradford Steele, John Shenson, Hezekiah Tomson, Josiah 
Swift, Lydia Cowel, Oliver Clark, Eichard Freeman, Isrel French, Reuben 
Davis. Sergt. Chauncey Johnson, Clerk." 

At a meeting held Oct. 17th, 1805, the valuation of "good wood brought 
to the school-house" was estimated at "$2 a chord, the Master to be the judge 
of the size of the loads." Special committees were appointed to repair the 
school-house nearly every year from 1802 until 1812. 

In 1810 John Ward was hired for the wijiter at $20 per month, he to 
be his own collector, and John T. Wheeler was appointed clerk. At an 
adjourned meeting, held Nov. 22nd, the last vote to repair was rescinded, and 
it was voted to have the school kept in Silas Baldwin's room until the first 
of May, 1811. 

In October, 1811, Chester Jones was chosen clerk and another repair 
committee appointed. On the 9th of December it was "Voted that there 
should be 2 schools kept in s*^ District." 

"Voted, 2"'', that Col. Ira Smith & Capt. Josiah Swift be a Committee 
for the south part of the District, & Amadeus Dibble & E. B. Johnson be a 
Committee ^or the north part, to employ teachers." 

April Gth, 1812, it was "Voted that there should be two schools kept in 
the District, one Man school & one Woman school, & the Free Money be 
equally divitled according to the time the school is kept." Stiles Johnson 
was elected a committee "to employ a school Dame." 

On the loth of the same month Levi Tomlinson, Esq"", Ira Smith, Josiah 
Swift, Elias Gilbert and Bradford Steele were appointed a committee to look 
for a place to build a school-house and to draw a plan. Several meetings 
were called and adjourned without transacting any business, except employing 
a male teacher in the south part of the district in the winter of 1812-13, and 
a teacher for three months in the winter of 1813-14. 

On the 7th of March, 1814, at a school meeting held at the store of 
Jones & Keeuey, it was "Voted that all needlework should be prohibited 
from school." At a meeting held the 25th of the same month the above vote 
was rescinded and declared "null & void." The name Huraphreysville first 
appears on the record in 1814. The next winter it was voted to employ a 
female teacher and to divide the money equally between the two schools of 
the district. 

The school-house first built on the location of the present Bell school- 
house was long owned as joint stock property, as shown in the following deed 
given June 1st, 1816: 



114 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

Know Ye, That I, Newel Johnson of Derhy, in Xew Raven County and State of Connecti- 
cut, for the the con.'iideration of Ten Dollars receir.ed to my full satisfaction of John Wheeler, 
Newel Johnson, Ellas Gilbert, Bradford Steele, John Humphreys, Jr., Genl. David Humphreys, 
Chester Jones, Seha Moulthrop, Stiles Johnson, Jesse Johnson, Edmund Steele, John liigys, 
Silas Baldwin, Samuel B. Hine, Joseph Johnson, Josiah Swift cf Danl. Thompson, Do give, 
grant, bargain, sell and confirm unto the said Grantee, one certain piece or tract of land 
situated in said Derby at Humphreysville, containing about six acres of land, bounded Southerly 
on highway. Easterly and Northerly on sd Neivel Johnson, TFesterly on Seba Moulthrop. The 
said piece of land has a School-House erected thereon and divided into one hundred shares, and 
is owned by the above named Grantees in the following proporHon,viz : to the said John Wheeler 
twenty nine shares ; Newel Johnson, thirteen ; Elias Gilbert, thirteen shares; Bradford Steele, 
seven; John Humphreys, Junr, five; Gen. David Humphreys, five; Chester Jones, seven; 
Seba Mo ulthroj), four; Stiles Johnson, three ; Jesse Johnson, two; Edmund Steele, two ; John 
Biggs, two; Silas Baldwin, two; Samuel B. Hine, two; Joseph Johnson, one; Josiah Swift, 
one; Daniel Thompson, one. 

In October, 1815, Chester Jones was elected committee and Newel 
Johnson clerk. 

"At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of the 5th School District at the 
School House in Humphreysville, held Oct. 30th, 1816, Newel Johnson was 
appointed a special committee to obtain from Mr. Samuel Eiggs his terms for 
teaching a winter school," apparently without success, as a few days later 
Bradford Steele and Johnathan Beemeut were added to the committee. 

On the lOtli of December it was voted to employ Isaac Rowe as teacher 
at 1 18 per month. April 13th, 1819, it was voted to employ Anna C. Martin 
as teacher for the summer, "provided she can be had on reasonable terms not 
to exceed one dollar and lifty cents per .week." 

Ebeuezer Fisher was appointed collector Nov. 20th, 1820, and it was 
voted that board be |1.25 per week. Smith & Sanford then kept the store 
on the southeast corner of Pearl and Hill streets. On the 4th of December, 
1820, it was " Voted that there be a stove purchased for the benefit of the 
destrict and made up in the school bill." Until that time the school-room had 
been warmed by a fire in the large old-fashioned fire-place. 

On the 12th of April, 1822, it Avas " Voted that Mr. Isaac Sperry be 
employed to teach this school for one year if he can be obtained for ten dollars 
per month," and "that the district hire the school-house of the proprietors at 
the rate of seven dollars a quarter." 

From Nov. 9th, 1818, to Oct. 10th, 1825, Lyman Smith was clerk of the 
district, and during this time the book was kept with a neatness and precision 
seldom found in the old records. 

At a meeting held Dec. 11th, 1822, David Beach was appointed district 
committee and Newel Johnson and Daniel White were appointed a committee 
to confer with the proprietors of the school-house for the purpose of seeing 
what the shares of the school-house can be purchased for. Provision was 
made for wood for the stove and fireplace. 

In the fall of 1823 the price of board was fixed at eight (Yankee) shillings 
($1.33i) per week, and it was voted to hire Mr. Sperry, provided that not 
more than $15 per month should be paid. If any scholars came from out of 
the district, they were to pay two dollars per quarter. Ebenezer Fisher, 
committee. 

On the 29th of March, 1824, it was AOted to hire Isaac J. Sperry for a 
year at $15 per month, and that he haxa an assistant for six months at $5 
per mouth. The school-house was hired as before. 



SEYMOUR AXD VICINITY. 115 

It was votetl, Aug. 16th, to release Mr. Sperry, to liire Aaron Piersou 
in his place, and to continue Miss Tuttle as assistant teacher. 

Oct. 12th, 1824, liussel Clark was elected coniniittee ; David Beach, Jr., 
collector ; and Sheldon Tucker, treasurer. It was votiid not to hirft a teacher 
unless he will board with the district. The committee was instructed to hire 
Mr. Parsons (or Pierson) or Harlow P. Sage, wages not to exceed $15 per 
month. Dec. Gth it was voted to employ an assistant teacher. 

April 12th, 1825, voted to hire Harlow P. Sage at $19 per month, he to 
board himself, provided that should any choose to board him at $1 per week, 
they might do so. An assistant to be liired if necessary. 

Up to this time the business seems to have been wholly directed in dis- 
trict meetings, and the names most frequently occurring on the record are 
"ChusetownDestrict" and 5th School District of the school society, but at a 
meeting held Oct. lOth, 1825, Thomas Gilyard was "recommended to the 
School Society to be appointed committee," and Isaac Losee was elected asst. 
committee. Mr. Persons was to be hired. Wm. Humphreys, John De Forest 
and Ebenezer Fisher were "recommended to the School Society as visitors." 

In the spring of 1826 the committee were authorized to employ Mr. 
Persons (Aaron C.?) at $10 per month, and it was voted that each proprietor 
draw his rent from the treasurer. 

Sept. 2yth, 1820. Kecommendations to school scoiety : Sheldon Tucker, 
committee ; John H. De Forest, Wm. Humphrey, Ebenezer Fisher and John 
Wheeler, school visitors. Voted to give Mr. Persons the preference for 
teacher. 

Sept. 27th, 1827. Ebenezer Fisher, district committee ; Edmund Steele, 
school society's committee ; Newel Jolinson, clerk ; J. H. De Forest, J. T. 
Wheeler and Wm. Humphreys recommended to school society as visitors. 
Voted to try to hire the lower story of the; school-house for $18 per year. 

April 8th, 1829, voted to give Mr. Hubbell the preference as teacher. 

At a meeting held March 29t]i, 183U, it was voted to purchase from fifty 
to one Jiundred shares of the Bell school-house of the proprietors at one dollar 
per share. It was voted (April 15th) to rescind the previous motion and to 
purchase a lot and build a school-house. The latter vote was rescinded May 
15th, and the former motion re-enacted. A tax of $200 was voted for the 
purchasing and repairing the school-house. Geo. Kirtland acted as moderator 
Oct. 17th, 1831. Apr. 10, '32, the Committee had permission to employ a 
teacher for each of the two rooms if they thought best. 

Oct. 18th, 1830. Chester Jones, trei\surer; Denzel Hitchcock, clerk; 
Isaac Losee, asst. com. ; Chas. Oatman, collector. Mr. Northrop was 
engaged to teach the winter school. 

Mar. 7th, 1837. Thomas Ellis, moderator. Voted to divide the district 
and to run the line from the mouth of Bladen's Brook, and go south so far as 
to take in the house of Isaac White, and then a straight line to Woodbridge. 

At a meeting held April 15th, 1837, it was voted "to run the line 
beginning at the bank south of the mouth of Bladen's Brook, so called, and 
ran straight to Woodbridge line, running far enough south to take in the 
house of Samuel K. Heacox," and "to apply to the school society's committee 
for division." 

The following description of the District limits, from the minutes of the 
First School Society, was certified to by Almuu Smith, Society's Clerk. 

"Fourth Distii.t begins at th»s Daiu across Nangatuck River, ruuuiug up tbe east 
side of said river uulil yuii come to the brook emptying iuto said river, through the 



116 SEYMOUE AND VICINITY. 

land foruieily belonging to Henry Wooster ; then an easterly coarse to Woodbridge 
line so as to take Isaac Blake and David Hotchkiss' dwelling-houses into the Fourth 
School District." 

"Fifth District begins at the Henry Wooster Brook, so called, by Naugatuck 
River, running up northerly the east side of said river to Oxford line; then easterly 
by said Oxford line to Woodbridge line; then southerly by said Woodbridge line until 
it strikes the northerly line of the Fourth District; then westerly by said Fourth 
District to the place of beginning at the mouth of the Heniy W^ooster Brook at the 
Naugatuck River." 

"Voted, that the society divide the said Fifth District, and that the bounds 
commence on the Naugatuck River at a high bluff or bank about twenty rods south 
of the mouth of Bladen's Brook; from thence to run easterly to Woodbridge line, 
passing by the south side of the house of Samuel R. Hickcok; and the north part of 
the said Fifth School District shall constitute the Seventh District." 

At a school meeting held Sept. 22d, 1840, it was voted "that a building 
committee be appointed and that they be instructed to make a contract for 
repairing the school-house by cutting it down to one story high, putting on 
new shingles and new pine clapboards, laying a new floor, painting the outside 
with two coats of good paint and making such other repairs as they shall deem 
necessary for a thorough repair in every respect." Bennet Wooster, George 
W. De Forest and Walter B. Clark were appointed committee on repairs. 

At a meeting held Oct. 1st, 1841, it was voted to buy Harrison Tomlin- 
son's lot on the Promised Land, on west side of the highway, and build a good 
school-house thereon, and a 15c. tax was laid Dec. 10th. Feb. 7th, 1842, the 
tax was raised 5 cents. On the 15th of February it was voted not to sell or 
dispose of the old school-house. 

On the 4th of September, 1842, it was voted "that the committee hire a 
room on the Falls known as the Conference Eoom for a school this winter," 
but the vote was rescinded the 11th. On the 10th of May, 1843, it was voted 
not to rent the upper story for a workshop, and the vote laying a tax of 20c. 
for building purposes were rescinded June 22nd ; also, the vote fixing location 
of new school-house. The old school-house was cut down and repaired in the 
summer of 1843. In August the committee were directed to sell the old bell 
and pay the proceeds to the treasurer. In the summer of 1844 board was 
estimated at eight shillings (.$].33i) per week, and the following winter at 
f 1.75 per week. 

The school-house was appraised Jan. 13th, 1847, by Isaac J. Gilbert, 
Ephraim Birdsey and Wm. M. Hull, at $360, and at a school meeting, held 
Nov. 21st, it was voted that the 5th district pay to the 8th district $112.50 
as their share of the district. The offer not being accepted by the district the 
matter was left to the society's committee, who named $175 as the amount 
to be paid. The new district was the one since known as District No. 8, and 
now as the Center sub-district. No. 6. 

A meeting was held June 10th, 1852, for the purpose of uniting with 
the other districts in forming a union high school, without any successful 
action resulting. 

DISTRICT COMMITTEES. 



1838, Wiiher B. Clark. 

1839, Walter B. Clark, Isaac Kinney and 

Chester Jones. 

1840, Auios Smith, Bennet Woosfer and 

Sharon Y. Beach. 



1841, Jeremiah Duiaud, Sharon Y. Beach, 
lt<4<J, Thomas Cochran, Daniel White and 
John W. Basset t. 

1843, B. Wooster. (G. F . DeForest, clerk. 

1844, Ezekiel Gilbert. " 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 



1845, Daniel White. (W.B.Clark, clerk.) 

1846, A. J. Steele. (H.Tomlinson, clerk.) 

1847, David B. Clark. (S.Y. Beach, clerk.) 

1848, Smith Clark. (II. B.Miiusou, clerk.) 

1849, Medad K. Tucker. (J.B.Steele, " 
1850-51, Thomas Stoddard. 

18.^2-3, .Joseph Cliipman. (L. Sharpe, 

1854, William S. Mallory. collector.) 

1855, Stepheu II. Culver. 

1856, E. F. Bassett. 



1857, David Beach. 

1858, H. B. Beccher. 

1859, Edwin Suuth. 
1860-61, John Davis. 

1862, J. W. Bassett. 

1863, Henry P. Davis. 

1864, J. Armstronj^. 
1865-7, W. E. Heudryx. 
1868, A. W. Lonnsbury. 



117 

(II. B. Beecher, clerk 

1857 to 1859.) 
(L.Sharpe, collector 

1858 to 1861.) 



TEACHERS. 



1843, Mr. Lnm, two terms. 

1844, Miss Lindley, summer term. 
1846, Mr. Stuart, two terms. 

1852, Miss Chatfield from Quaker farms. 
1855, Leverett Mallory, Fred'k Durand. 
1857, Leverett Mallory. 
1859, Miss Wilcox, summer term. 
1863, EUeu M. Clark. 



April, 1864, to Mar., 1865, MaryTomliuson, 
April to Sept., 1867, Mary Tomliuson. 
Jan. to April, 1869, Ella Davis. 
April, 1869, to April, 1870, Lydia Payne. 
April, 1870, to July, 1873, M.A.Hotchkiss. 
Sept., 1873, to July, 1874, Emma J. Downs. 
Sept., 1874, to Dec, 1875, M.A.Hotchkiss. 
Jau., 1876, to 1878, Lottie E. Booth. 



CENTER SCHOOL, No. 6. 

This was set oft" from No. 5 in 1817. A "select school" had been kept 
by Mrs. Hodge in a building which stood near where the south end of the 
pin-shop now is. The building was taken for the district school and removed 
above the cotton factory, to where the wool-room of Kalmia Mills now is, then 
to where Second street terminates, above Maple street, and when the car- 
shops were built it was removed to its present location. 

TEACHERS. 

1852, Charles W. Sharpe. 

1867, Miss Coltingham. 

1869 to July, 1875, Jessie C. Perkins. 

Sept., 1875, to 1878, Maria M. Tucker. 



•SECOND INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL. 

Established in September, 1878. Arthur L. Candee, teacher. 



FIRST INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL. 

TEACHERS. 
April, 1869, to April, 1870, Mary A. Swift. 
April to July, 1870, Cornelia A. Chatfield. 
Sept., 1870, to July, 1872, H. A. Woodford. 
Sept., 1872, to July, 1873, E. J. Downs. 
Sept., 1873, to April, 1875, Sarah M. Eiggs. 
April to Dec, 1875, Clara F. Abbott. 
Jan., 1876, to 1878, Emma S. Tomliuson. 



118 SEYMOUR AND VICI^^ITY, 



THE HIGH ISCHOOL. 

Humphreysville Academy, established in 1849, during its continuance, 
satisfied the demand for a school of higher grade, and perhaps for this reason 
the High School Association, incorporated in 1851, foiled of its purpose. 
The Humphreysville Academy was very popular under the direction of Geo. 
B. Glendining, and deservedly so. He was an efficient instructor, and drew 
many pupils from neighboring towns as well as from distant cities. In 1853 
he removed to a larger town towards New York and was succeeded by Fred- 
erick Durand, who taught two years in Union Hall. Mr. Gay, a graduate 
of Yale, came in August, 1855, but continued only a few months. The 
subject of a Union High School was agitated, but the meetings called to con- 
sider the subject were no avail until after the passage of a law authorizing the 
establishment of such a school by the town, independent of school societies 
and school districts. The school was permanently established in 1864. 
Martha J. Morris was employed as assistant from September, 18G7, to De- 
cember, 1808. Since then no assistant has been employed in the High 
School, but the establishment of the two intermediate departments has prac- 
tically made a high school of three grades, and only a new and commodious 
school building is especially needed to place Seymour in the first rank as 
regards the facilities for common school education. 

TEACHERS. 
1864 to July, 1866, Miss Hermance. 
Sept., 1866, to July, 1867, Frederick Durand. 
Sept., 1867, to Dec, 1868, Prof. A. F. Reynolds. 
Jan. to April, 1869, Martha J. Morris. 
April, 1869, to April, 1870, Celia A. Stanley. 
April to July, 1870, Miss S. A. Atwater. 
Sept., 1870, to July, 1871, Mrs. Lottie B. Bigelow. 
Sept., 1871, to July, 1872, Lucy S. Mermn. 
Sept. to Dec, 1872, Mary R. Deery. 
Jan., 1873, to July, 1874, Arthur Kilgore. 
Sept., 1874, to April, 1875, Frank H. Brewer. 
April, 1875, to July, 1878, William H. Warner. 
Sept., 1878, Rev. C. W. Sharpe. 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 119 

Jf ®at Hill H« 1. Chmrii^ ' 



Qii^HIS is one of the oldest Methodist societies iu Connecticut and at one 
time ranlanl highest in strength and numbers in the Derby Circuit, 
which then inchided the towns of the Naugatuck Valley as far as Va- 
terbury. Itev, Heman Bangs, who was presiding elder about sixty 
years ago, said Great Hill was his main stay, and liev. Elijah ^^'oolsey, 
circuit preacher in 1814, in his book called "The Lights and Shadows 
of the Itinerancy," gives space to incidents of his experience on Great Hill. 
It had been an old I'resbyterian parish, the church standing near the Davis 
place. Abner Smith was the pastor of the Presbyterian Society in 1814 
and for many years preceding, but moved west soon after, and the pulpit was 
by general consent occupied by Methodist clergymen. From the time when 
Rev. Jesse Lee proclaimed the "Glad Tidings" through the valley of the 
Naugatuck, service was held here by his successors from time to time, and a 
prosperous church grew up. For a number of years, between 1810 and 1820, 
Cyrus Botsford was chorister and was considered an excellent music teacher. 
The choirs in those days were large and some humorous anecdotes are told of 
corrections made by Mr. B. when discordant notes were heard, when his 
words were more emphatic than appropriate to the place. Mr. B. was four 
times married and had seventeen children. Capt. Isaac Bassett and wife, 
grand parents of Capt. Elliott Bassett, were among the first Methodists on 
the Hill. The late Judson English was closely identified with the Great Hill 
church for half a century. The eccentric George L. Fuller, pastor in 1845 
and 1840, is still remembered by many residents of the Hill. Fearless and 
untii'ing in his JMaster's service, he labored with great success and many were 
the anecdotes told of his labors. At one time in a revival meeting he preached 
from the parable of the swine, (Matt., viii : 30-32), and afterward passed 
around among the congregation urging them to repentance. A young man, 

T AV , replied to him very discourteously that there was no need of 

it, since, according to the sermon, all the devils were drowned. The eccentric 
clergyman knelt in prayer and remembered the young man as follows : "Oh 
Lord, we read in Thy blessed word that the swine rushed down into the sea 
and were drowned ; but oh. Lord, one hog swam ashore, and here he is 
right before us. Drive the devil out of him and make a man of hini," etc. 
It is said that if the logic was not convincing, the whole-souled earnestness of 
the preacher was, and apparently the prayer was answered. A man, at whose 
house a prayer-meeting was to be held one Saturday evening, sent an invita- 
tion to a neighbor, a staunch I'resbyterian, to attend. He sent back word 
that he wished to be excused as he "kept Saturday night," but he soon began 
to attend the meetings and continued to be a regular attendant for more than 
thirty years. Anson Gillette was the first class-leader, over sixty-five years 
ago. The present church edifice was built by subst-ription in 1853-4. Almost 
the only preaching on the hill for the forty years preceding had been by the 
Methodists, to whom the old Tresbyterian church had been given up. The 
church was dedicated on Wednesday, October 25th, 1854. The subscriptions 
that day were -$580, leaving a debt of only $300, which has since been paid. 
Though the society is smaller now by reason of the draught upon it by the 
tiourishing manufacturing centers arouml, yet considerable improvements 
have been made in and about the church in the past few years, and the 
services of the sanctuarv are \Aeil sustained. 



120 SEYMOUE A^^D VICIXITY. 



PAPER MAKI:N"G in SEYMOUR. 

,^|HE first to establish the manufacture of paper in this place was General 
""'^ Humphreys. He built the first paper mill iu 1805, but soon sold it to 
WorruU & Hudson. At this time the paper was made by hand. An 
engine for preparing the pulp was in use, but from this it was dipped 
out into fine sieves, the size the sheet of paper was to be made, shaken 
about to pack the fiber, a felt or flannel laid on, and the paper tipped 
out on it. 125 sheets were so piled up, making, with the felts, a pile about 
15 inches high. This was pressed in a screw press, then taken out of the felts 
and hung on poles to dry, then pressed in li ream bunches. The next day the 
sheets were "stripped" or separated and pressed in the dry press. Writing 
paper was laid sheet by sheet between press boards with occasional iron plates 
and pressed again. In 1816 WorruU & Hudson sold out to Ebenezer Fisher 
and Henry LeForge. In 1817 Samuel Eoselle, afterwards a partner, came 
to the place and commenced work in the paper mill. 

The mill was raised a story in 1825, and paper then first made altogether 
by machinery. The mill was sold to the Humphreysville Manufiicturiug 
Company January 27th, 1831. This company commenced the manufacture 
of paper in May, 1831, with but four employees — Chester Jones, Win. Bates, 
Jane Patchen and Lois Thompson, but during the month the number was 
increased to 16, and afterward to 18. The 16th of April, 1832, they com- 
menced running night and day. They were then making paper for the New 
Haven Palladium and other papers. Not only news but tissue and colored 
papers were produced. It is evident that the circulation of the papers was 
not very large from the fact that 500 pounds of paper was considered a good 
day's work at the time they were supplying several printing offices besides 
making other kinds of paper. 

The establishment was taken by George L. Hodge, Sharon Y. Beach 
and Samuel Eoselle August 17th, 1843, under the firm name of Hodge & 
Co., this partnership continuing two years. 

In 1815 the Humphreysville Manufacturing Company, by their special 
agent, Timothy I)wight, sold the paper mill with a five years' lease of the 
water to Ezekiel Gilbert, Sharon Y. Beach and Samuel Eoselle, who carried 
on the business five years under the firm name of Gilbert, Beach & Co. The 
water lease expired in 1850, and as the Humphreysville Manufacturing Com- 
pany declined all otters for a renewal, Mr. Beach bought out the other two 
partners, pulled down the mill, and put it up again in "Blueville," on Bladen's 
Brook, about a mile east of the old location, where it has since remained. 
Among the numerous publications for which Mr. B. has furnished more or 
less paper is Barber's History of Connecticut, New Haven Palladium, Eegis- 
ter. Journal and Courier, the Waterbury American, and the Seymour Eecord. 
In February and March of 1859 a large addition was built to the mill. 
In September of 1860 the wooden flume was taken out and an iron one put 
in. New machinery has been added from time to time, engines, boilers, cal- 
enders, &c., reservoirs bdlt on the hill near by to insure a full supply of pure 
water, so much needed in the manufacture of paper, and other improvements 
made, imtil Mr. B. has about $20,000 invested in the business, making a 
large mill, furnished with the most approved machinery and turning out large 
quantities of superior colored papers, that having beeu made a specialty of the 
mill for a number of years past. 



SEYMOUR AE^D VICINITY. 121 

The first mill on the site of Smith's paper mill was built in 1831 under 
the direction of John Riggs for John S. Moshier. The machinery was de- 
signed and built by Cyrus Lee, millwright, in whose employ were Smith 
Botsford and Sheldon llurd. Mr. Moshier purchased the land from the Capt. 
Merrick farm, once owned by Rev. Jesse Johnson, includmg the ujtper mill 
site, now occupied by the rubber mill. Xewel Johnson purchased the latter 
and paid Moshier in work on the paper mill. Johnson built a suuill dam near 
the upper end of the present rubber mill dam, and built a small machine sliop. 
The paper mill was completed and commenced running in the spring of 1832. 
William Bates was enii)loyed as superintendent and Samuel Bassett run the 
paper machine. John Bodge was also em})loyed in the mill, and so continued 
until his death in 18G8, a period of thirty-nine years. At this time the Vv'ages 
paid for work in paper mills varied from one dollar for sixteen hours' work 
to five shillings for twelve hours. 

Early in 1833 the paper mill passed into the hands of John C. Wheeler, 
and in April was leased to Daniel White for three years at an annual rent of 
$600. Mr. White was then in the paper business at the Falls, and his lease 
of that mill had one year longer to run. Sylvester Smith, who had been in 
Mr. White's employ one year in the old mill, was now transferred to the 
superintendency of the new mill. During the year the most of the paper 
made in the mill was of a fine quality, for books and periodicals. All paper 
was then sold on six and nine months' credit. For about four years this mill 
furnished the paper for reprinting Blackwood's Magazine and other foreign 
periodicals by T. Foster in New York. 

Mr. White, being unsuccessful in business, gave up the mill in the spring 
of 1831, and his successor (John 0. Wheeler) gave Sylvester Smith a one- 
quarter interest in the business, Wheeler furnishing the capital. Their part- 
nership lasted three years. But from 1834 the times were hard and the price 
of paper fell oft" almost one-fourth. Wheeler, who was also in company with 
Raymond French in the auger business, met with heavy losses in the hard 
times of 1837. The dam was carried away in April, 1837, but rebuilt before 
July, and Wheeler then rented the mill to Smith & Bassett for fifty dollars a 
mouth, to be paid in wrapping paper. This was the commencemeut of a 
partnership which lasted nineteen years. Feb. 10th, 1840, Smith & Bassett 
bought the mill of John C. Wheeler for $4,220, payable in wrapping paper — 
$200 every three months. 

Straw was made into paper in this mill in 1837, and was the first paper 
made from straw in Connecticut. Money was very scarce and for several 
years barter was more connaon than cash ; paper and augers being extensively 
used as a circulating medium in this vicinity. In January, 1841, an addition 
of twenty feet was built on the south end of the mill. Other improvements 
were made in 1840, but on the 20th of January, 1847, the paper mill was 
entirely consumed by fire. The loss was about $9,000 and the insurance was 
$3,500. With improved times and better facilities for nniking paper, all 
seemed ready for increased profit when this fire occurred. On Saturday, 
March 13th, 1847, the frame of the new mill was raised, about 100 men being 
present. Daniel White had charge of the carpenter work and Smith Botsford 
superintended the mill work. On Saturday, July 17th, paper making was 
resumed. 

In January, 1850, Mr. Bassett sold his half of the mill to Mr. Smith. 
During the time of their partnership a large proportion of tlu; paper uuide in 
the mill was straw boards and button boards. \Vhen they conmienced the 
price of straw delivered at the mill was $5 per ton. In the last twelve years 



122 SEYMOUR AXD VICINITY. 

of their partnership the mill was much used in grinding and cleaning rubber, 
which added much to the profit of the mill. But in 1855 this branch of the 
business was closed up. The paper business was then poor for several years. 
The panic of 1857 came and the prospects were gloomy. Then came the 
sound of war and the tramp of armies, and everything was uncertain. But 
in the spring of 1863 the paper business revived, and the sun of prosperity 
arose on the old paper works. Prices improved, orders increased and the 
dream of profits was upon the mill owner. But another unlucky Friday came 
and the paper mill was again burnt down, about noon of March 13th, 18G3. 
The loss was about $10,000 and the insurance $5,000. Fourteen tons of old 
iron was sold from the ruins. In two weeks the timber for the new mill was 
on the ground. The main building was raised the last week in April. It 
was 4G by 70 feet, and three stories high. The machinery was all put on the 
lower floor, and two turbine wheels took the place of the large Mooden ones. 
On the 4th of July the mill was so far completed that a festival was held in 
it for the benefit of sick and wounded soldiers. About five hundred people 
attended, and with the music and speaking it was a pleasant affair. About 
the 15th of August the mill was in running order. 

A large bleach-house Avas added to the main building, and in the same 
year an ell was added to the east side, GO by 27 feet, two stories high. Ashbel 
Storrs planned and sui)erintended the building, and Smith Botsford Avas the 
master millwright. Perhaps it was the most complete mill for the work for 
Avhich it was designed that had been built in the country up to that time. 
During the next two years the mill did a successful business. 

In 1806 W. W. Smith took charge of the mill on a salary, and his father 
retired from the business. In 18G7 an addition was made to the south end 
of the mill, a steam engine put in, and the manuf^icture of manilla paper 
commenced. 

On Monday evening, January 11th, 1869, a fire broke out in the second 
story of the elf part of the mill, and in a short time the whole building was 
destroyed. The loss was about $30,000 and the insurance $14,000. Mr. 
Amas'a Trowbridge perished in the flames. At the cry of fire he left his 
home and lost his life in the effort to save his neighbor's property. In three 
months another mill was running in part, and at the end of five months from 
the date of the fire it was completed. The cost of this mill was nearly double 
that which was built in 1863, so great had been the increase in the price of 
labor and material. 

In May, 1870, the mill was sold to Mr. \V. W. Smith. This year was 
remarkable for the long-continued drought. Nothing like it had ever been 
known. In the sunnner of 1871 the dam was carried away, and Capt. Smith, 
at great expense, brought the water down from Kimmon Pond in Naugatuck 
Kiver, put in a wheel "opposite the mill, and applied that power, underneath 
the highway, to his mill, the new power going into operation in the first week 
in November. But another black Friday came November lOth, and in the 
rainy afternoon the cruel fire made short work of the mill. There were ten 
policies of insurance of $2,000 each on the property, but the then receut dis- 
astrous fire in Chicago had so damaged several of the companies that a large 
part of tlie insurance was lost. The whole loss by this fire was estimated at 
$30,000. The mill was again rebuilt and has since been confined to the 
manufacture of a superior quality of manilla paper. 

De Dorest and Hodge purchased the water privilege and buihlings where 
the rubber works now are and changed it to a paper mill, rumiing ])artly by 
steam, making fine calendered book paper. They soon sold out to Smith & 



SEYMOUR AXD VICINITY. 123 

Bassett, wlio continued the paper business, but added the grinding of rubber. 
They also liired the mill at the mouth of Little Kiver to grind rul)ber in, and 
even then were unable to do the work as fast as wanted. This mill at the 
mouth of Little Iliver had been run as a paper mill by Lewis Jinnee, and 
afterward by the Kimmon Paper Company. In 1851 Smith & Bassett sold 
the upper mill to Austin G. Day, and it has since been occupied by the Day 
Brothers in the rubber business exclusively. 



SUFFERINGS OF EEYOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS. 



^^HE following extract from Ramsay's History of the Revolution, published 
^|| in Ti-enton in 1811, gives a good representation of the sufferings of pat- 
^1 riots of the Revolution who were captured by the British, among whom 
^\| were Bradford Steele, Jabez Pritchard and others mentioned in this 
<^ book in the account of the Revolutionaiy period. 

The prisoners captured by Sir William Howe in 1776, amounted to many hundreds. The 
officers were admitted to parole, and had some waste houses assigned to them as quarters ; but the 
privates were shut up in the coldest season of the year, in churches, sugar houses, and such like 
large open buildings. The severity of the weather, and the rigor of their treatment, occasioned the 
death of many hundreds of these unfortunate men. The filth of the places of their confinement, in 
consequence of fluxes which prevailed among them, was both ofieusive and dangerous. Seven dead 
bodies have been seen in one building, at one time, and all lying in a situation shocking to humanity. 
The provisions served out to them were deficient in quantity, and of an unwholesome quality. These 
suffering prisoners were generally pressed to enter into the British service, but hundreds submitted 
to death, rather than procure a melioration of their circumstances by enlisting with the enemies of 
their country. After General Washington's successes at Trenton and Princeton, the American 
prisoners fared somewhat better. Those who survived were ordered to be sent out for exchange, but 
some of them fell down dead in the streets, while attempting to walk to the vessels. Others were so 
emaciated that their appearance was horrible. A speedy death closed the scene with many. 

The American board of war, after conferring (December 1, 1777) with Mr. Boudinot, the 
commissary-general of prisoners, and examining evidences produced by him, reported among other 
things. " That there were 90U privates and 300 officers of the American army, prisoners in the city of 
New York, and about .500 privates and 50 officers prisoners in Philadelphia. That since the begin- 
ning of October, all these prisoners, both officers and privates, had been confined in prison ships or 
the Provost : That from the best evidence the subject could admit of, the general allowance of 
prisoners, at most, did not exceed four ounces of meat per day, and often so damaged as not to be 
eatable: That it had been a common practice with the British, on a prisoner's being first captured, 
to keep him three, four or five days, without a morsel of meat, and then to tempt him to enlist to 
save his life : That there were numerous instances of i)risoners of war perishing in all the agonies of 
hunger." 

About this time (Dec. 24, 1777) there was a meeting of merchants in London, tor the purpose 
of raising a sum of money to relieve the distresses of American prisoners then in England. The sum 
subscribed for that purpose amounted in two months to 4GJ7n5s. Thus while human nature was 
dishonored by the cruelties of some of the Jiritish in America, there was a laudable display of the 
benevolence of others of the ^anie nation in Europe. Tiie American sailors, when captured by the 
British, suliered more than even the soldiers which fell into their hands. The former were confined 
on board prison ships. The}' were there crouded together in such numbers, and their accommoda- 
tions were so wretched, that diseases broke out and swept them ofl" in a manner that was sulticieul 
to excite compa.ssion in breasts of the least sensibility. It has been asserted, on as good evidence as 
the case will admit, that in the last six years of the war upwards of eleven thousand persons died ou 
board the Jersey, one of these prison ships, which was stationed in East river near Ne\> -York. Ou 
many of these, the rites of sepulture were never or very imperfectly conferred. For some time after 
the war was ended, their bones lay whitening in the sun, ou the shores of Long-Island. 



124 SEYMOUE AND VICINITY. 



STREETS OF SEYMOUR. 



Birch, from Washington avenue to Day street. 

Broad, from Main street to Derby avenue. 

Cedar, fi-om Eiver street, along foot of Castle Rock, to West street. 

Church, from West street, east, past Trinity churcli, to Mill street. 

Culver, from First avenue to Grand street. 

Day, from IsTorth Main street to Pearl street. 

Derby Avenue, from intersection of Broad and West streets, southward. 

Elm, from Pearl street to house of Edwin Smith. 

Factory, from Main street to Kalmia Mills. 

First, from Factory street to Maple street. 

First Avenue, from Grand street to Culver street. 

Grand, from Washington avenue to Pearl street. 

Grove, from Derby avenue to Cedar street, past house of B. W. Smith. 

High, from Pearl street, opposite M. E. Church, to Culver street. 

Hill, from Main street, southward, formerly Rimmou turnpike. 

Humphrey, from Pearl street to house of Isaac Losee. 

James, from Main street to Washington avenue. 

Main, running north towards Pinesbridge and south towards Ansonia. 

Maple, from Main street to West street, near house of E. L. Hoadley. 

Mill, from Eiver street, northwest, to West street. 

MoNSON, from Grand street to Culver street. 

XORTH, from Day street, north, to uSforth Main street. 

Oak, from Derby avenue to Cedar street, past house of Frederick Emery. 

Pearl, from South Main street to Day street. 

Pine, from Broad street to Derby avenue. 

Raymond, from Factory street to foot of Third street. 

Rimmon, from Maple street, north, over Eimmon Hill. 

Eiver, from West street to Maple street. 

EOSB, from Derby avenue to Cedar street, past house of S. C. Ford. 

Second, from Eaymond street, north, to the river. 

Third, from Maple street, south, to Eaymond street. 

Third Avenue, from Grand street, south, to Culver street. 

Walnut, fi-om Hill street, near house of S. C. Ford, to Pearl street. 

Washington Avenue, (Promised Land,) from Hill street to Main street. 

West, from intersection of Broad street and Derby avenue, towards Oxford. 

Vine, from Derby avenue to Cedar street, south of house of C. ^y. Storrs. 



SEYJVIOUK AXD VICINITY. 125 



KOTES FKOM DWIGHT'S TExVYELS. 



Published in 1822. 



From Derby tlie road crosses Naugatuc river; and thence proceeds by the side of the Hooes- 
tennuc to the near neighbourhood of its fountains in New-Ashford. From Derby to Kent the course 
is nearly North-West; and throughout the whole distance to New-Milford is almost literally on the 
bank. The valley is every where narrow; and the prospect limited on both sides by hills of consid- 
erable height. A few of these are bold, masculine bluffs, with rude precipices, which may be called 
Magnificent. Almost all of them present declivities, too steep for convenient cultivation, covered 
with a soil too unpromising to tempt the labours of the husbandman. At times it is sandy ; at others 
rocky; and at others cold. Hence this region is more thinly populated than any other, of equal 
extent, within the limits of Connecticut. The houses, also, are few ; and most of them indifferent 
buildings. In the parish of South-Britain, eighteen miles from Derby, and twenty-six from New- 
Haven, there is a small exception to these remarks. The rest of the tract is solitary; and, with the 
aid of a road generally sandy and usavy, is far from inviting excursions of pleasure. 

You will remember, that these observations are applied only to the narrow valley of the 
Hooestennuc, through which we passed ; extending rarely more than a mile in breadth ; and 
generally not more than one fourth of a mile. As soon as these steep hills are ascended, their surface 
presents a good soil, and sprightlier scenery, had numerous population and flourishing settlements. 

The first township, along the skirt of which we passed after we had left Derby, is Oxford ; 
formerly a part of that township. Oxford is a collection of hills and vallies, generally covered with 
a strong soil. The inhabitants are universally farmers. It includes two Congregations; a Presby- 
terian and an Episcopal plurality; and, in 1800, contained 1,410 inhabitants; in 1810, 1,413. 

Immediately North of Oxford lies the township of Southbury, along a tributary stream of the 
Hooestennuc. Its surface is pleasant ; and the soil, excellent. It is divided into two parishes ; the 
Town, and South-Britain. The town is a pretty collection of houses, chisfly on a single street, 
running from North to South. The parish of South-Britain is small. That part of it, which borders 
upon the Hooestennuc, presents the only specimen of soft scenery on our road, until we reached 
New-Milford. The expansion here was wider, the hills more handsomely shaped, and the river 
adorned with several intervals. The soil was better than in the parts through which we have passed 
before. Here, also, was a scattered hamlet, the inhabitants of which appeared to b3 in better 
circumstances. Southbury contains two Presbyterian congregations. In the year 1774, it was a 
part of Woodbury. In 1790, it contained 1,738 inhabitants: in 1800, 1,757; and in I81C, (a part of 
it having been taken off to form the township of Middlebury,) 1,413.— [Vol. Ill, pp. 396-7.] 

New-Haven is the shire town of the County of New-Haven, in a State distinguished for the 
rigid execution of its laws. Of course all the capital punishments in the County have been inflicted 
here. Ths whole number of these in one hundred and seventy-five years, has been thirteen. Of 
these, five were whites ; five were Indians ; and three were blacks. Of the whites, one was a 
stranger taken up as a spy, as he was passing through this town, and executed, pursuant to a sentence 
of a court martial. Three of the remaining four were natives of England. It does not appear, that 
any inhabitant of this town, or County, ever suflered death by the hand of law. There is no reason 
to conclude, that the people of this County are more distinguished for their morals than most of the 
other settlements, which have been established for any length of time. In this respect, (the paucity 
of capital punishments,) New-England may be compared with Scotland, and Switzerland; and will 
suffer no disadvantage by the comparison. — [Vol. IV, p. 334.] 

There is not a spot on the globe, where so little is done to govern the inhabitants ; nor a spot, 
where the uihabitauts are so well governed, or, perhaps, in more appropriate terms, where the state 
of society is so peaceable, orderly, and happy. A recurrence to the manner, in which elections are 
carried on here, as described in a former part of these letters, will enable you to compare them with 



126 SEYMOUK AXD VICINITY. 

your own. Those in your country have been described to me on various occasions, by authority 
which cannot be questioned. They are scenes of riot, tumult, and violence. Ours are scarcely less 
decent than religious assemblies. — [Vol. IV, p. 335.] 

The people of New-England have always had, and have by law always been required to have, 
arms in their hands. Every man is, or ought to be, in the possession of a musket. The great body 
of our citizens, also, are trained with a good degree of skill, and success, to military discipline. Yet 
I know not a single instance, in which arms have been the instruments of carrjing on a private 
quarrel. * * * C)u a country, more peaceful and quiet, it is presumed, the sun never shone. 
'* * * In Connecticut, the government, whether of the Colony or the State, has never met with 
a single serious attempt at resistance to the execution of its laws. * * * Our laws provide 
efiectually for the comfortable maintenance of all the poor; who are inhabitants; and, so long as 
tbey are with us, of poor strangers, in what country soever they are born ; and, when they are sick, 
supply them with physicians, nurses, and medicines. The children of the poor are furnished with 
education and apprenticeships, at the public expense. — [Vol. IV, p. 336-7.] 

■ «^'3i:«G^viQ^^^^i3^i^^ii>^- 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



ABIEL CAXFIELD, 

A soldier of the Eevolution, was born April 6th, 1753. He enlisted in the 
comj^any of Capt. Pierson as piper, May 8th, 1777, and marched to Xew 
Haven the same day, where he remained with the forces for the protection of 
the city and harbor during the term of his service. He married Mary Barlow 
of Stratford Dec. 23d, 1779, and lived in West street, the second house on 
the left from Church street, still standing;. He had a shop in the rear, where 
he manutactured brass and pewter buttons, buckles, sleigh bells, metal tags, 
&c. The pewter buttons were cast in moulds. He employed an English 
engineer to cut the dies nsed in making the ligures npon the buttons, for 
military and other uses. He afterward purchasinl of Bradford Steele the 
house east of the Episcopal church and built a shop near by. He died Dec. 
6th, 1812, aged 59 years and 7 months. 

REV. ALOXZO B. PULLING, 

Pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church a portion of 1876 and 1877, laboring 
zealously and efficiently for the good of those under his pastoral care. "A 
good minister of the Lord Jesus Christ, put in trust with the Gospel." He 
became superannuated at the end of his pastorate and continued to reside at 
East Village, with the exception of his pastorate in Seymour, until his death. 
He united with his conference in the spring of 1816, and filled important 
charges with marked lidelity and acceptability, remaining almost without 
exception the full term allowed by the church. He served in the NewMilford 
charge twice, the first term of two years and the second three years. He 
leaves a good record, and has been called from labor to his reward. ''Well 
done good and faithful servant." 

MRS. ANN S. STEPHENS, 

The gifted writer, was the daughter of John Winterbottom, junior partner 
of T. Vose & Co., successors to General Humphreys in the manufacture of 
broadcloth. She went to school in Sheffield, Canaan and other places, and 
wrote her first composition -an epigram upon a boy in her father's employ — 
at the age of seven. The first comp()siti(ni she ])ublished was an address to a 



SEYMOUE AXD VICINITY. 127 

friend, a student in Yale College, printed in the New Haven Post. In 1832 
she married Mr. Edward Stephens of Plymouth, Mass., and in 1831 published 
the "Polish Boy." Two years later she started a literary magazine in Port- 
land, Maine, and in it wrote her first story and ])ublished ''The Tradesman's 
Daughter." In 1838 she became editress of the Ladies' Companion, in New 
York, and published "Mary Derwent," "The Deluded," and other serials. 
Later she was with George R. Graham and Edgar A. Poe on Graham Maga- 
zine in Philadelphia, at the same time acting as co-editress with Charles J. 
Peterson, of Peterson's Magazine. ]\Irs. Stephens and Mr. Peterson have 
been associated for over thirty years. About twenty years ago Mrs. Stephens 
published the original of "Fashion and Famine" in Peterson's IMagazine, 
which was afterwards printed in book form, being the first book she ever pub- 
lished. Her published works now include about thirty novels, a "History of 
the ^Yar" in two volumes, and two humorous works. The opening scenes of 
"Bertha's Engagement" are laid here, and also the story of "Malvina Gray." 
She is now a regular contributor to Peterson's Magazine and other publica- 
tions. Her story of "Fashion and Famine" had a circulation of over 80,000 
copies. 

SQUIEE DAVID FEENCH, 
The oldest son of Israel French, was a patriot of the Eevolution, going to 
Boston after the battle of Bunker Hill to assist in resisting the encroachments 
of despotism. He was trial justice of the north part of the town of Woodbridge 
for many years, and tried more cases than any other justice in AVoodbridge. 
The late Judge David Dagget of New Haven said that he had pleaded a 
great many cases before 'Squire David. He represented the town of Wood- 
bridge in the General Assembly twenty successive semi-annual terms. He 
first built his log-house in Nyumphs, at a place which he afterwards gave to 
his son Luther. He was for many years a deacon of the First Congregational 
Church of Bethathy under the Eev. Samuel Hawley, but when Eev. George 
AYhitfield visted this country he became a convert to his views of experimental 
religion, and afterwards was a regular member of the new sect of Methodists, 
which soon spread over the country like a great tidal wave. He was never 
one of the enthusiastic kind, but earnest and strongly sincere. All his public 
life he was much accustomed to public speaking, and used often in the General 
Assembly to encounter the celebrated Pierpont Edwards. He had a strong 
voice and expressed his opinions with energy and confidence. These opinions, 
whether religious or political, were always such as to command respect. He 
died Aug. •Ith, 1821, aged 80 years. 

LUGEAND SHAEP, 

Son of Thomas and Mary Sharp, was born in Eidgefield, Ct., June 1st, 1797. 
He was a great-grandson of Thomas Sharp of Newtown, who emigrated fi-om 
England to Stratford in 1700, and was one of the original thirty-six proprietors 
and a surveyor of the the town of Newtown. Thomas Sharp, 3rd, purchased 
lands in Oxford, near Zoar Bridge in 1804 and settled there, but died in 1805, 
Lugrand being then but eight years of age. In 1821 he purchased the place 
in Southford on which the Abbott mansion now stands. In 1823 he married 
Olive M., daugher of Ebenezer Booth, cabinet maker, who built the house, 
dam and factory since owned by Eev. AVilliam Cutts, knife manufacturer. 
He was an earnest and eflicient laborer in the jMethodist society formed at 
Southford, of which Eev. Samuel Hickox of Seymour was the first pastor. 
It was to a great extent due to his ettbrts that a union meeting-house was soon 
built at Southford, and a class formed at Quaker Farms, of which he was the 



128 SEYMOUK AND VICli^ITY. 

first leader. His house was always open to the hard-workiug itiuerant 
preachers of those days, and he continued to be one of the most active members 
of the Southford church until 1843, when he sold out and came to Humphreys- 
ville, now Seymour. In 1849 he built the house on Hill street, which he 
afterwards occupied until his death. He was for several years superintendent 
of the Sunday school, and afterwards an active member of it until within two 
or three years of his death. He contributed liberally to such religious and 
benevolent causes as received his approval, giving over $1,500 to the mission- 
ary cause during the last nine years of his life. He died May 1st, 1876, aged 
78 years. His last years were literally and fully devoted to the service of 
the Lord, and when his last sickness came he felt that his work was done and 
he waited in patience for the Master's call. 

SAMUEL WIRE 

Was born at Greenfield Hills, Fairfield, Feb. 8th, 1789. He came to Hum- 
phreysville when thirteen years of age to learn the clothing business under 
General Humphreys. At the age of twenty-three he married the sister of the 
late General Clark Wooster, who died after several years of happy married 
life, without children. Mr. Wire soon afterwards commenced the manufacture 
of satinet warps in the south part of Oxford, and married his second wife, who 
was the daughter of David Candee. He represented the town at several 
sessions of the General Assembly and held other important offices of trust, 
being at one time the most influential politician in town. In 1847 he removed 
to New Haven, where he was a constable for several years and then city 
sheriff. He was one of the oldest Freemasons in the State, and a member of 
Franklin Chapter and Harmony Council. He was a man of genial disposi- 
tion, faithful and upright. He died May 3rd, 1874, aged 86 years. 



IN MEMORIAM. 



In the Riramon burying-ground, on a bluff on the west side of the Nau- 
gatuck, are seven gravestones with the following inscriptions : 
Susanna, wife of Lieut. Thomas Clark, died Apr. 1, 1768, aged 29 years. 
Phoebe, wife of David Johnson, Aug. 6, 1777, in the 47th year of her age. 
In memory of Joseph Eiggs, son of Mr. Joseph and Mistress Anna Riggs, 

who departed this life March 22, 1794, in the 8th year of his age. 
Joseph Riggs died Mar. 19, 1791, in the 38th year of his age, who was a 

pattern of industry, a friend to virtue, and a pillar of society. 
In memory of David Johnson Riggs, sou of Mr. Joseph and Mistress Anna 

Riggs, who departed this life March 24th, 1794, in the 15th year of his age. 
In memory of Mrs. Sarah, relict of Mr. Benajah Johnson, who departed this 

life May 7, 1773, aged 72 years. 
Thomas Clark, died Oct. 11, 1797, aged 33 years. 

DEATHS, ARRANGED ALPHABETICALLY. 

Abram Bassett, Nov. 17th, 1853, aged 81 years. 

Samuel Bassett, Sept. 28th, 1851, aged 67 years. 

Betsey, wife of David Beach, Oct. 9th, 1822, aged 21 years. 

Mrs. Beebe, Nov. 15th, 1822, aged 70 years. 

Mrs. Charles Benham, June 1st, 1822, aged 27 years. 

Dorcas Bradley, Dec. 3rd, 1814, aged 92 years. 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 129 

Betsey Broadwell, March 10th, 1821, aged 33 years. 

Lewis Broadwell, Sept. Gtli, 1844, aged 53 years. 

Huldah, wife of Stephen Booth, Feb. 2nd, 1848, aged 70 years. 

Annie Case, Nov. 10th, 1821, aged 68 years. liesidence, Skokorat. 

Joel Chatfield, June 14tli, 1830, aged 79 years. 

Kutli, wife of Joel Chatfield, Nov. 2nd, 1831, aged 62 years 6 months. 
Sheldon Church, Nov. 8th, 1873, aged 76 years. 

Laura, wife of Sheldon Church, Feb. ioth, 1871, aged 73 years. 
William Clark, Oct. 24th, 1834, aged 70 years. 
Miles Culver, July 28th, 1857. 

Phebe Davton, widow of Capt. Eben"" Dayton, March 18th, 1827, aged 77 yrs. 
John H. DeForest, Feb. 12th, 1839. 
Capt. Ainadeus Dibble, Sept. 25th, 1827, aged 65 yrs. Residence, Skokorat. 

JMary, wife of Capt. Aniadeus Dibble, March 7tli, 1826, aged 29 years. 
Raymond Dibble, Nov. 17th, 1826, aged 29 years. 
Joseph Duraud, Aug. 6th, 1792, aged 84 years. 

Anna, wife of Joseph Durand, Feb. 14th, 1778, aged 64 years. 
Samuel Durand, Feb. 18th, 1852, aged 68 years. 
Nathaniel French, Nov. 13th, 1780, aged 64 years. 
Samuel French, Feb. 2nd, 1883, aged 78 years. 
Charles French, Esq., Nov. 9th, 1783, aged 79 years. 
Enoch French, May 21st, 1824, aged 64 years. 

Hannah, wife of David French, Esq., Ang. 19th, 1823, aged 19 years. 
William French, Oct. 16th, 1823, aged 37 years. 

Nancy, wife of William French, July 13th, 1823, aged 19 years. 
William Cei'ling, Nov. 25th, 1814, aged 60 years. From England. 
Ezekiel Gilbert, July Otli, 1848, aged 55 years. 

Sarah Hurd, wife of Ezekiel Gilbert, Nov. 16th, 1870, aged 76 years. 
Thomas Gilyard, Nov. 12th, 1853, aged 67 years. 

Annie Gilyard, Jan. 11th, 1821, aged 61. Born at Hightown, Yorkshire, Eng. 
Mrs. Jona. Harden, April 10th, 1822, aged 51 years. Residence, Skokorat. 
Matilda Hatte, Nov., 1814, 15th daughter of Stephen Hatte. 
Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Hickox, Dec. 9th, 1841, aged 26 years. 
Timothy Hitchcock, Aug. 5th, 1820, aged 72 years. 
Capt. Daniel Holbrook, Dec. 28th, 1828, aged 59 years. Residence, Skokorat. 

Lois, wife of Capt. Daniel Holbrook, March 10th, 1827, aged 63 years. 
David Humphreys, 2ud, March 21st, 1814, aged 28 years. 
David Humphreys, 3rd, Dec. 2nd, 1814, aged 3 years. 
George, son of William Humphreys, Esq., July 8th, 1828. 
Hon. John Humphreys, Jr., June 29th, 1826, aged 53 years. 
Alexander Johnson, Sept., 1817, aged 87 years. 
Benajah Johnson, April 13th, 1763, aged 59 years. 

Sarah, wife of Benajah Johnson, March 7th, 1773, aged 72 years. 
Chauncey Johnson, Dec. 26th, 1814, aged 37 years. 
Ebenezer Johnson, Sept. 25tli, 1792, aged 31 years. 
Ebenezer Johnson, Feb. 11th, 1830, aged 38 years. 

Eleanor Allen, wife of Ebenezer Johnson, July 3rd, 1870, aged 76 years. 
Elijah Johnson, 1847, aged 75 years. 
Hepsibah Johnson, April 13th, 1823, aged 43 years. 
Hezekiah Johnson, Nov. 15th, 1820, aged 70 years. 
Isaac Johnson, April 10th, 1813, aged 78 years. Residence, Skokorat. 

Lois, wife of Isaac Johnson, Oct. 16th, 1814, aged 76 years. 
Rev. Jesse Johnson, Oct. 21st, 1829, aged 56 years. 



130 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

Jesse Johnson, Jr., Feb. 9th, 182G, aged 25 years. 

Joseph Johnson, June 2Gth, 1818, aged 59 years. 

Stiles Johnson, Oct. 4th, 1818, aged 3G years. Residence, Skokorat. 

Timothy Johnson, Jan. 21st, 183(>, aged 70 years. Residence, Pinesbridge. 

Zeviah Johnson, May 29th, 1816, aged 77 years. 

Abraham Kenney, Oct. 29th, 1822, aged 30 years. 

Isaac Kinney, Aug. 18th, 1875, aged 85 years and 6 months. 

Anna Church, wife of Isaac Kinney, Jan. 24:th, 1868, aged 64 years. 
Wife of William Kenney, Sr., March 9th, 1827, aged 70 years. 
William Kinney, Jan. 7th, 1847, aged 87 years. 
Elijah Kirtland, May 25th, 1831, aged 31 years. 
John Lane, July 6tli, 1834, aged 26 years. 
Jonathan Miles, Feb. 25th, 1830, aged 85 years. 

Mrs. Jonathan Miles, Oct. 5th, 1822, aged 70 years. 
Theophilus Miles, Nov. 11th, 1822, aged 83 years. 
Theophilus Miles, Jr., March 15th, 1840, aged 70 years. 
Ebenezer Northrop, Jan. 11th, 1835, aged 49 years. 
Miss Lucy Norton, Dec. 31st, 1809, aged 30 years. 
John Pitt, Nov. lltli, 1848, killed by the bursting of a cannon. 
Ebenezer Peck, Sept. 20th, ]813, aged 70 years. 
Hiram Randall, Dec. 14th, 1833. 

Betsey, wife of Moses Riggs, Sept. 12th, 1828, aged 40 years. 
John Riggs, Nov. 14th, 1855, aged 84 years. 

Mary, wife of John Riggs, Dec. 15th. 1827, aged 53 years. 
David Sanford, March 7th, 1842. 
Dr. Samuel Sanford, Jan. 25th, 1803, aged 38 years. 
Jason Skeels, Nov. 1st, 1855, aged 40 years. 
Col. Ira Smith, Nov. 19th, 1822, aged 44 years. 
Jesse Smith, 1831, aged 65 years. 

Sarah, wife of Jesse Smith, Feb. 1820, aged 55 years. 
James Spencer, May 30th, 1827, aged 30 years. 
Capt. Bradford Steele, April 18th, 1804, aged 69 years. 

Mary, wdfe of Capt. Bradford Steele, Oct. 16th, 1788, aged 57 years. 
Deacon Bradford Steele, Dec. 23rd, 1841, aged 80 years. 
Norman Steele, July 9th, L822, aged 40 years. 
Abiram Stoddard, Nov. 23rd, 1855, aged 79 years. 

Eunice, wife of Abiram Stoddard, Aug. 23rd, 1855, aged 69 years. 
John Storrs, March 18th, 1841, aged 42 years, 
Mark Tomlinson, Oct. 2nd, 1822, aged 36 years. 
Sheldon Tucker, Jan. 5th, 1843, aged 57 years. 
Zephaniah Tucker, Sept. 18th, 1848, aged 89 years. 
Smith Washburn, May 21st, 1823, aged 28 vears. 
John Todd Wheeler, (born May 4th, 1777), died Sept. 3rd, 1868, ^. 91 yrs.4m. 

Sarah Clark Wheeler, Aug. 14th, 1823, aged 47 years. 

Almira Chatfield Wheeler, Dec. 12th, 1873, aged 82 years and 6 months. 
Sally Wheeler, Aug. 14th, 1823, aged 47 years. 
Simon Wheeler, Sept. 22nd, 1794, aged 24 years. 
Daniel White, May 6th, 1854, aged 76 years. 
Isaac White, Feb. 6th, 1862, aged 72 years. 
John White, Nov. 17th, 1830, aged 73 years. ' 
Abigail, wife of Marchant AYooster, Dec. 18th, 1832, aged 78 years. 
Grace, wife of Clark Wooster, Jan. 1st, 1826, aged 27 years. 
Henry Wooster, May 30th, 1815, aged 79 years. 



SEYMOLTK AND VICINITY. 131 

Elizabeth, wife of Henry Wooster, Sept. 7tli, 1786, aged 44 years. 
John Wooster, Aug. 2nd 1804, aged 84 years. 

Eunice, wife of John Wooster, Xov. 17th, 1709, aged 74 vears. 
John Wooster, Oct. 27th, 1823, M. 60. Arrived from Enghand Sept. oth, 1819. 




MORNING STAK LODGE, No. 47, P. & A. M. 

The time-honored order of Free Masonry is repre- 
sented in this town by a lodge which has reached the 
venerable age of seventy-four years. Morning Star 
Lodge was constituted under a cliarter from the M. W. 
Stephen Titus Ilosmer, Esq., Grand Master of the 
^ Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted 
Masons for the State of Connecticut, bearing date, or 
rather granted the 18th day of October, A.D. 1804. The petitioners to whom 
the charter was granted were Adam Lum, Veren Dike, Silas Sperry, Geo. W. 
Thomas, Benjamin Candee, Lewis Wakelee, E. C. Candee, Joel Finch, Ar- 
nold Loveland, William Hurd, Wm. Bronson, Daniel Candee, Abel 
Wheeler, Samuel Riggs, William Morris, Levi Candee, Nathan Davis, 
Charles Mouson, Jessie Scott and Moses Candee, "Brethren of the Honora- 
ble Society of Masons residing in the town of Oxford." 

Abel Wheeler is named in the charter as first IVLaster, Levi Candee as 
Senior Warden and William Morris as Junior Warden. 

In 1832, so much had the principles of the order been misrepresented 
that the following declaration was prepared by the Grand Lodge, signed by 
members of the order generally throughout the State, and published, not only 
in the Masonic proceedings, but in the newspapers of the day, and helped to 
a great extent to allay the prejudices against the order. Appended is the 
declaration and the names of signers who lived in this vicinity. 

Whereas, charges have heen made against the Institution of Freemasourj', accusing the 
whole Frateruity^with having adopted and cherished principles dangerous to the community and re- 
pugnant to morality and religion; and from the silence of the members of our Institution concerning 
these accusations, many persons have supposed or may suppose that we admit the truth of these 
charges, or that we cannot conscientiously deny them: 

We, the officers and members of the Grand Lodge of the State of Connecticut, and of the 
subordinate Lodges under its jurisdiction, have come to the conclusion that justice to ourselves and 
a decent regard for the opinions of our fellow-citizens, demand from us a public avowal of the prin- 
ciples of the Order, and of the nature and tendency of the Institution. A declaration on this subject, 
dated December IJIst, 1831, having been made and published by our brethren of the Jlasonlc Frater- 
nity in the State of Massachusetts, to which we fully assent, as it is strictly true in all respects, we 
have adopted the same, and now beg leave to present it to the public. 

Whereas, it has been frequently asserted and published to the world, that in the several de- 
grees of FREEMASONRY, as they are conferred in the United States, the candidate, on his initia- 
tion and subsequent advancement, binds himself by oath, to sustain his Masonic brethren in acts 
which are at variance with the fundamental principles of morality, and incompatible with his duty as 
a good and faithful citizen. Injustice, therefore, to themselves, and with a view to establish truth 
and expose IMPOSITION, the undersigned, members of the Masonic Fraternity, and many of us the 
recipients of every degree of Freemasonry known and acknowledged in this country, do most sol- 
emnly DENY the existence of any such obligation in the MASONIC INSTITUTION, as far as our 



132 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 



knowledge respectively extends. And we do also solemnly aver, that no person is admitted to the 
Institution, without first being made acquainted with the nature of the obligations which he will be 
required to incur and assume. 

Freemasonry secures its members in the freedom of thought and of speecli, and permits each 
and every one to act according to the dictates of his own conscience in matters of religion, and of 
his personal preferences in matters of politics. It neither knows, nor does it assume to inflict upon 
its erring members, however wide may be their aberations from duty, any penalties or punishments 
other than Admonition, Suspension and Ejcpulsion. 

The obligations of the Institution require of its members a strict obedience to the laws of God 
and man. So far from being hound by any engagements inconsistent with the happiness and pros- 
perity of the nation, every citizen, who becomes a Mason, is doubly bound to be true to his God, his 
country, and his fellow-men. In the language of the "'Ancient Constitutions" of the Order, which 
are printed and open for public nispection, and which are used as text-books in all our Lodges, he is 
"required to keep and obey the moral law, to be a quiet and peaceable citizen, true to his govern- 
ment and just to his country." 

Masonry disdains the making of proselytes. She opens the portals of her asylum to those only 
who seek admission, with the recommendation of a character unspotted by inuHorality and vice. She 
simply requires of the candidate his assent to one great fundamental religious truth, — the existence 
AND Pkovidencb OF GOD, and a practical acknowledgement of those infallible doctrines for the 
government of life, which are written by the finger of God on the heart of man. 

Entertaining such sentiments, as Masons, as Citizens, as Christians, and as moral men, and 
deeply impressed with the conviction that the Masonic Institution has been, and may continue to 
be, productive of great good to their fellow-men; and having "received the laws of the Society, and 
its accumulated funds, in sacred trust for charitable purposes," the undersigned can neither renounce 
nor abandon it. 

We most cordially nnite with our brethren of Massachusetts, in the declaration and hope, 
that, "should the people of this country become so infatuated as to deprive Masons of their civil 
rights, hi violation of the written constitutions and the wholsome spirit of just laws and free govern- 
ment, a vast majority of the Fraternity will still remain firm, confiding in God and the rectitude of 
their intentions for consolation under the trials to which they may be exposeil." 



Newel Jolmson, 
John L. Daniels, 
Ebenezer Fisher, 
John S. Moshier, 
Josiah Nettleton, 
Henry Leforge, 
David Sanfonl, 
Hiram Upson, 
Daniel Hifchcock, 
Leman Ohatfield, 
Sheldon Caulield, 
Henry Wooster, 
Oliver II. Stoddard 
J. H. De Forest, 
Chester Jones, 
Isaac White, 
Henry C. Atwood, 
Seth Crosby, 
Thomas Buxton, 
Henry Buxton, 
Garry Biggs, 
Henry A. McGary, 



Lyman Biggs, 
Gad Hitchcock, 
Smith Clark, 
John Smith, 
Sidney B. Wildman, 
Charles Bansom, 
Chauncey Haines, 
Daniel Hyatt, 
Samuel Biggs, 
Chauncey M. Hatch, 
John M. Hart, 
David M. Clark, 
Samuel Wire, 
Minot Barnes, 
Edward Booty, 
Levi Candee, 
Thomas A. Dutton, 
Samuel Meigs, 
James W. liurd, 
Daniel Smith, 
Joseph Clark, 



Seth Green, 
Sheldon Beebe, 
George Gunn, 
Jacob Bockwell, 
Thomas M. Hedden, 
David Candee, 
David McEwen, 
Noah Stone, 
Nathan B. Fairchild, 
Isaiah Candee, 
Willis Smith, 
Harry Osboru, 
Ethel Blackman, 
John Storrs, 
Boswell Cable, 
Nathan J. Wilcoxon, 
William Morris, 
Jesse Joy, 
Alfred Harger, 
Philo Wooster, 
Ashbel Baldwin, 
George B. Piatt. 



Charles Morgan, 

The Lodge met in ]Masonic Hall, Oxford, until 18II, when owing to 
decreased numbers from removals and other causes, the sessions were sus- 
pended. It was re-organized May 14th, 1851, with George B. Glendining as 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 



133 



Master, David J. IVIcEwen Senior Warden, and Alfred French Junior 
Warden, and removed to Seymour. E. G. Storer was then Grand Secre- 
tary. Since this time the lodge has prospered and its total membership, 
from the date of the charter until now, has been about three hundred and 
seventy-live. 



MASTERS OF THE LODGE. 



1804, Abel Wheeler. 

1805, Abel Wheeler. 
1800, Abel Wheeler. 

1807, Levi Candee. 

1808, Abel Wheeler. 

1809, ^Villiam Morris. 

1810, David J. McEwen. 

1811, William Morris, 

1812, Chauncey M. Hatch. 

1813, Levi Candee. 

1814, David J. McEwen. 

1815, Levi Candee. 

1816, David J. McEwen. 

1817, Chauncey M. Hatch. 

1818, David J.^lcEwen. 

1819, Menit Bradley. 

1820, Merrit Bradley. 

1821, Men-it Bradley. 

1822, Samuel Wire. 

1823, Chauncey M. Hatch. 

1824, David M. Clark. 

1825, Cyrus Humphreys. 
182G, Jesse Joy. 

1827, Jesse Joy. 

1828, John M. Hart. 

1829, John M. Hart. 

1830, Henry C. Atwood. 

1831, Henry C. Atwood. 

1832, Henry C. Atwood. 

1833, John M. Hart. 

1834, John M. Hart. 

1835, John M. Hart. 

1836, David M. Clark. 

1837, David M. Clark. 



1838, William Hinman. 

1839, John M. Hart. 

1840, David M. Clark. 

1841, Garry Rijjgs. 

1842, John M. Hart. 

1843, Charles Ransom. 

1851, George B. Glendining. 

1852, David J. McEwen. 

1853, Harris B. Munson. 

1854, Joseph Chipman. 

1855, Joseph Chipman. 

1856, Stephen D. Russell. 

1857, Ashbel Storrs. 

1858, Stephen D. Russell. 

1859, Elihu D. Foote. 

1860, Israel French. 

1861, Philo Buckingham. 

1862, George W. Divine. 

1863, Ashbel Storrs. 

1864, Samuel P. Davis. 

1865, Samuel P. Davis. 

1866, Samuel P. Davis. 

1867, Samuel P. Davis. 

1868, Samuel P. Davis. 

1869, Stephen R. Rider. 

1870, Stephen R. Rider. 

1871, Stephen R. Rider. 

1872, Henrv A. Rider. 

1873, William S. Cooper. 

1874, William S. Cooper. 

1875, William K. Holmes. 

1876, William K. Holmes. 

1877, William K. Holmes. 

1878, William Halligan. 



134 



SEYMOUR AND VICIXITY. 




MECHANICS' LODGE, Xo. 73, I. O. O. F. 

Institued May 27th, 1851. 

CHARTER MEJVrBERS. 

Horace A. Radford, Julius Bassett, John Scott, W. W. White, 

Martiu Kelly, John Hilton, Charles I^ewton, John Davis, 

Daniel J. Putman, H. P. Davis, John L. Hartson, J. A. Stevens, 

W. J. Merrick. 

Geo. E. Lester and Wm. A. Huffhes were the first candidates for initiation. 



NOBLE GRANDS. 



Julius Bassett, 
Daniel J. Putman, 
Martin Kellv, 
W. J. Merrick, 
John A. Hartson, 
Harpin Davis, 
W. W. White, 
Wm. A. Hughes, 
George E. Lester, 
Henry Bradley, 
John Davis, 2ud, 



R. W. Scott, 
A. G. White, 
David Tucker, 
H. T. Booth, 
Mitchell Vincent, 
Charles I^evt^ton, 
George Upson, 
John Hilton, 
H. A. Radford, 
A. J. Beers. 
W. E. Hendryx, 



Peter Ward, 
F. H. Beecher, 
W. D. Bissell, 
John W. Woodruff, 
W. S. Cooper, 
John Whiting, 
Sylvester Smith, 
W. D. Dibble, 
Ed. D. Phelps, 
James K. Adams, 



Harvey Rugg, 
E. C. Brown, 
J. W. Smith, 
Samuel Butler, 
Robert Healy, 
S. A. Beach, 
James E. Buckley, 
Charles Edwards, 
W. H. Williams, 
Charles P. White. 



SECRETARIES. 



W. J. Merrick, H. T. Booth, M. K. Tucker, 

H. Davis, George E. Lester, James K. Adams, 

Wm. A. Hughes, Mitchell Vincent, W. S. Cooper, 
Geo. Leavenworth, A. G. White, Peter Ward, 

James Davis, Frank H. Beecher, J. E. Buckley, 



E. C. Brown, 
J. W. Smith, 
M. H. Pope, 
H. S. Halligan, 

F. A. Rugg. 



HUMPHREY LODGE, Xo. 26, K. of P. 

Instituted Feb. 8th, 1871. 

CHARTER jMEMBERS. 
S. H. Canfield, C. W. James, 




W. G, Mitchell, 
George Rogers, 
F. M. Lum, 



W. N. Storrs, 
S. C. Tucker, 
Charles French, 
M. R. Castle. 



F. H. Beecher, 
V. H. McEwen, 
George Smith, 
D. C. Castle, 



1871, 

1872, 
1873, 
1874, 

1875, 
1876, 
1877, 
1878, 



WORTHY CHANCELLORS. 
First term, Samuel P. Davis, Second term, George A. Rogers, 
" " " William S. Cooper, 



W. G. Mitchell, 
William IS". Storrs, 
William H. Williams, 
William H. Williams, 
Frank H. Beecher, 
William H. Williams, 
William H. Williams, 



William H. Williams, 
Charles Short, 
Virgil H. McEwen, 
Frank H. Beecher, 
William H. Williams, 
Joseph H. Smith. 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 135 



UPSOX POST, No. 40, G. A. R. 

Organized in 1873. 

Wm. S. Cooper, post commander; Joseph Ineson, adj. 

Ee-organized Feb. IGth, 187G. 

187G, Horatio S. Chamberlain, post commander; Woos- 
'ter B. McEwen, adjutant. 

1877, James E. Buckley, post commander; Edward 
S. Downs, adjutant. 
1878, Henry E. Chamberlain, post commander; James E. Buckley, 
adjutant. 




ERIENDLY SONS OE ST. PATRICK. 

This society is composed of members of Irish birth and their descend- 
ants, without reference or regard to religion or politics. 

The society was organized at Strapp's Hall, Nov. 2nd, 1872, by the follow- 
ing-named persons : William Hayes, Dennis O'Callaghan, Matthias Bunyan, 
Francis McMorrow, Charles McCarthy, Michael Eegan, Patrick Mahouey, 
Daniel Mahoney, William Mahoney, Jeremiah Driscol, John Coleman, John 
Bradley, Timothy O'Brien, Peter Sullivan, Edward Strapp, William Colbert. 

At the first meeting the following officers were elected : President, 
William Hayes ; vice-president, Peter Sullivan ; secretary, Matthias Bunyan ; 
treasurer, Dennis O'Callaghan ; marshal, Francis McMorrow ; standing com- 
mittee, Edward Strapp, William Colbert, William Mahoney, Charles McCarthy. 

At the last last annual meeting held May 4th, 1878, the following 
officers were elected : President, Patrick Sheehan ; vice-president, Jeremiah 
Driscoll ; treasurer, Dennis O'Callaghan ; secretary, William O'Donnell ; 
marshal, Patrick Mahoney ; standing committee, Daniel McCarthy, Charles 
McCarthy Patrick Mahoney, Patrick Crowley. 



SEYMOUR BIBLE SOCIETY. 

Joshua Kendall, president ; Eev. S. C. Leonard and Eev. J. Vinton, 
vice-presidents ; T. B. Minor, secretary ; H. A. Eadford, treasurer ; L. A. 
Camp, depository. 



136 



SEYMOUE AND VICINITY. 



ELECTORS OF SEYMOUR, ^oy. 5th, 1878. 



Emery E. Adams, 
James K. Adams, 
Daniel Aguew, 
Itufus xVlcott, 
Jeremiah Andrews, 
Denizen D. Andrews, 
Richard Aspden, 
]\Iorris Atwood, 
Hem an K. Atwater, 
Frank P. Aylesworth, 
Gustave A. Becker, 
Alonzo Baldwin, 
Edwin Baldwin, 
Edward M. Baldwin, 
William J. Barr, 
(leorge H. Bartlett, 
Charles H. Bassett, 
Edward F. Bassett, 
Elliot B. Bassett, 
Frank G. Bassett, 
Isaac Bassett, 
John W. Bassett, 
Noyes E, Bassett, 
Samuel Bassett, 
Wilbur Bassett, 
William R. Bates, 
Charles Bay, 
Samuel A. Beach, 
Sharon D. Beach, 
Sharon Y. Beach, 
Burr P. Beecher, 
Frank H. Beecher, 
Frederick Beecher, 
Henry B. Beecher, 
Philo Beecher, 
Virgil M. Beecher, 
Abel J. Beers, 
Charles M, Beers, 
Herschel G. Beers, 
William Bell, 
David Betts, 
William Blake, 
Winfield Blake, 
George Blakesley, 
Frederick Boeker, 
Albert Booth, 
John Bowen, 



Lyman Botsford, 
Lucius Botsford, 
Smith Botsford, 
Harvey -L, Botsford, 
Edwin Botsford, 
Charles S. Botsford, 
Henry Botsford, 
Charles Bradley, 
Edward B. Bradley, 
Henry Bradley, 
John H. Bradley, 
Leonard Bradley, 
Abraham H. Bristol, 
Nicholas Brockway, 
Nicholas Brockway, Jr., 
Edward C. Brown, 
Valentin Buchele, 
Edwin Buckingham, 
Henry ]3uckingliam, 
Isaac Buckingham, 
Virgil Buckingham, 
AViliis Buckingham, 
James E. Buckley, 
Matthias Bunyan, 
George W. Burroughs, 
Nathan A. Brushell, 
Samuel Butler, 
Dennis Cahill, 
Dennis Callahan, 
Lewis A. Camp, 
Samuel P. Camp, 
DeForest Caufield, 
Frank E. Canfield, 
Samuel Cantield, 
Samuel H. Cantield, 
Carl Carlson, 
Harvey Carpenter, 
Heber P. Carpenter, 
Jay Carpenter, 
Sndth T. Carpenter, 
Nicholas Cass, 
DeWitt C. Castle, 
John H. Castle, 
Martin R. Castle, 
Thomas W. Chadwick, 
Henry R. Chamberlain, 
Horatio S. Chamberlain, 



Hiram Chatfield, 
Howard Chatfield, 
Joel Chatfield, 
Joel R. Chatfield, 
Heman Childs, 
Charles Church, 
Noyes Church, 
John Clancy, 
Albert E. Clark, 
Daniel W. Clark, 
Andrew J. Clearwater, 
William H. Cleary, 
Frederick M. demons, 
Lyman A. Clinton, 
Thomas P. Cochran, 
John A. Cochran, 
William Colbert, 
James Condon, 
James Condon, 2nd, 
Patrick Condon, 
William Coney, 
Michael Conroy, 
Owen Conroy, 
])avid R. Cook, 
Timothy Cooper, 
William S. Cooper, 
Frank Couverette, 
Arvin N. Crittenden, 
Daniel Crowley, 
Florence Crowley, 
Patrick Crowley, 
Timothy Crowley, 
William A. Crowther, 
Dennis Crummy, 
Stephen H. Culver, 
S. Hart Culver, 
Michael Cunningham, 
Owen Cunningham, 
John T. Curry, 
John Daily, 
John Davenport, 
Burr S. Davis, 
George S. Davis, 
Henry P. Davis, 
Isaac H. Davis, 
John Davis, 
John Davis, 2nd, 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 



137 



Leonard A. Davis, 
Lewellyn Davis, 
Marcus Davis, 
Samuel P. Davis, 
Zerali B, Davis, 
Edmund Day, 
Henry P. Day, 
Austin G. Day, 
Theodore L. Decker, 
Jolm W. DeForest, 
Samuel R. Dean, 
Alva a. DeWolf, 
William W. Dibble, 
George A. Divine, 
George W. Divine, 
George P. Doolittle, 
Oliver Doolittle, 
James Donahue, 
Walter W. Dorman, 
Henry Downs, 
Isaac Downs, 
William A. Downs, 
Jeremiah Driscol, 
Albert B. Dunham, 
Henry A. Dunham, 
Daniel T. Dunham, 
Joseph E. Dupee, 
Jeremiah Durand, 
Charles Edwards, 
George S. Edwards, 
Horatio N, Eggleston, 
Adolph F. Eibel, 
Frederick Emery, 
Richard J. W. Emery, 
David Evans, Jr., 
Jacob Faber, 
Ebenezer Fairchild, 
Ira G. Farrell, 
Patrick Fitzgibbons, 
Michael Fogarty, 
Frank J. Ford, 
John B. Ford, 
Lyman H. Ford, 
Philo James Ford, 
Samuel C. Ford, 
John T. Forsey, 
George Fowler, 
Thaddeus Fowler, 
Raymond French, 
Carlos French, 
Adonijah French, 
Charles H. French, 
Hiram French, 



John W. French, 
Warren French, 
Dwight Garrett, 
George B. Garrett, 
Lewis Garrett, 
Frank C. Gerard, 
David Geary, 
Eli Gillett, 
Lucius Gillett, 
Thomas F. Gilyard, 
William F. Gilyard, 
Stephen B. Gregory, 
Charles H. Guild, 
Joseph Hagan, 
Albion A. Hall, 
William P. Hall, 
Harvey S. Halligan, 
William Halligan, 
Alfred E. Hanchett, 
Charles Hanchett, 
Charles F. Hard, 
Cornelius Hard, 
Frederick Harris, 
Charles Hawkins, 
Joseph Hawkins, 
Samuel Hawkins, 
William Hayes, 
Robert Healey, 
Wilson E. Hendryx, 
Samuel Hickox, 
David R. Hill, 
George H. Hill, 
Charles N. Hinman, 
Joseph Hitchcock, 
Edward L. Hoadley, 
Andrew Holbrook, 
Charles F. Holbrook, 
Horace Holbrook, 
Nathan Holbrook, 
Philo Holbrook, 
Thomas C. Holbrook, 
William Holbrook, 
Willis R. Holbrook, 
John Holloway, 
William K. Holmes, 
George H. Homan, 
George AV. Homan, 
Charles D.Houghtaling, 
Wm. N. Houghtaling, 
Burton C. Hotchkiss, 
Harvey Hotchkiss, 
Burr A. Howard, 
James Howard, 



Sidney A. Hubbell, 
William Howes, 
DeWitt C. Hull, 
John C. Hull, 
Charles R. Hurlburt, 
Thomas E. Hurlburt, 
Charles L. Hyde, 
Henry J. lies, 
Jerred lies, 
Joseph Ineson, 
Cornelius W. James, 
Thomas L. James, 
George A. James, 
David Johns, 
Thomas Johns, 
David Johnson, 
John R, Johnson, 
Sheldon C. Johnson, 
Thomas James, 
William B. Johnson, 
William C. Johnson, 
John Kelleher, 
Charles D. Kelsey, 
F. Xavier Kempf, 
Joshua Kendall, 
Roswell N. Kinney, 
Walter S. Kenney, 
Henry Kershaw, 
John King, 

Frederick Kokenwrath, 
Theodore S. Ladd, 
Martin Laughlin, 
George Leavenworth, 
Geo. B. Leavenworth, 
William Leahy, 
George E. Lester, 
Stephen C. Leonard, 
Evans Llewellyn, 
Evans A. Llewellyn, 
Edmond Libby, 
Washington I. Lines, 
Albert A. Lockwood, 
Charles H. Lockwood, 
Henry B. Lockwood, 
Isaac Losee, 
Isaac Losee, Jr., 
William Losee, 
Frederick G. Losee, 
Albert W. Lounsbury, 
John Lounsbury, 
Ernest Luedus, 
James Lyon, 
Jolm Lyon, 



138 



SEYMOUR A^^D VICINITY. 



Patrick Mahoney, 
Eli Mallory, 
Charles Manweiller, 
Henry Manweiller, 
John R. Matthews, 
Robert A. Matthews, 
Robert McKay, 
George C. Mimger, 
John McLane, 
Charles McCarty, 
Daniel McCarty, 
John McCarty, 
Hugh McCormick, 
Virgil H. McEwen, 
Michael McNurney, 
John T. Miles, 
Sheldon Miles, 
John H. Miller, 
Thomas B. Minor, 
Howard F. Moshier, 
William Molan, 
James Morris, 
John E. Morris, 
William Morris, 
Harris B. Munson, 
Harris B. Munson, Jr. 
Dennis H. Munson, 
Michael Kagle, 
Julius H. Newton, 
Michael Ney, 
William B. Nichols, 
Henry D. Northrop, 
John O'Brien, 
William O'Donnel, 
Frederick O'Meara, 
Josiah A. O'Meara, 
Charles J. Osborn, 
Noah A. Osborn, 
John Owens, 
John F. Parker, 
Briggs M. Parmelee, 
Ira A. Parmelee, 
Ira B. Parmelee, 
Wallace A. Parmelee, 
John J. Peck, 
Frederick C. Peck, 
Edward G. Peck, 
Jesse D. Perkins, 
Henry Perthes, 
Charles H. Pickett, 
Christian Pickhart, 
Richard Pierson, 
Matthew H. Pope, 



Frederick Popp, 
Jabez E. Pritchard, 
Frederick W. Pulford, 
Horace A. Radford, 
Edward H. Randall, 
Hiram W. Randall, 
Samuel H. Rankin, 
Joseph Reigel, 
Charles E. Reynolds, 
William B. Reynolds, 
Henry A. Rider, 
Harpin Riggs, 
John H. Riggs, 
William J. Roberts, 
George F. Robinson, 
Harvey N. Rogers, 
Isaac Rogers, 
John W. Rogers, 
Isaac Rood, 
Henry Rose, 
Samuel Roselle, 
Frederick A. Rugg, 
Harvey Rugg, 
Frank H. Russell, 
Stephen D. Russell. 
Patrick Ryan, 
Thomas Ryan, 
Thomas Ryan, 2nd, 
William Ryan, 
James Samuels, 
Sheldon Sanford, 
Heniy C. Schneider, 
John Schofield, 
David Scranton, 
Thomas Sharpe, 
William C. Sharpe, 
John Shay, 
Michael Shay, 
Patrick Sheehan, 
Terrence Sheridan, 
William B. Sherman, 
Charles J. Short, 
George A. Simpson, 
Burton W. Smith, 
Charles Smith, 
Edwin Smith, 
George Smith, 
George A. Smith, 
George H. Smith, 
George W. Smith, 
James M. Smith, 
John W. Smith, 
Joseph H. Smith, 



Matthew Smith, 
Robert N. Smith, 
Samuel R. Smith, 
Theodore L. Smith, 
Traver Smith, 
Wilbur W. Smith, 
William Smith, 
William C. Smith, 
Abel V. Somers, 
Charles Spencer, 
Charles E. Spencer, 
James S. Spencer, 
Willard James Spencer, 
George C. Sperry, 
Marcus Sperry, 
Norman Sperry, 
John Spiers, 
Henry Spoonheimer, 
Henry J. Spoonheimer, 
John Spoonheimer, 
Timothy Squires, 
Frank E. Steele, 
Jeremiah Stever, 
Thomas Stoddard, 
Arthur L, Storrs, 
Ashbel Storrs, 
('harles W. Storrs, 
William N. Storrs, 
Henry W. Stratton, 
Ira A. Stuart, 
Levi B. Stuart, 
John Sullivan, 
Peter Sullivan, 
James Swan, 
William B. Swan, 
Daniel S. Swan, 
Smith Terrell, 
Theodore S. Terrell, 
Benjamin B. Thayer, 
Gotiib Theurer, 
Daniel B. Tolles, 
Edwin Tomlinson, 
James W. Tomlinson, 
William R. Tomlinson, 
William E. Treat, 
Charles C. Trumpbour, 
David Tucker, 
Medad K. Tucker, 
Sheldon C. Tucker, 
Cornelius Turk, 
Thomas Urel, 
James H. Van Buren, 
Joseph Vinton, 



SEYMOUE AND VICINITY. 139 

Peter Ward, Andrew W. Weston, Leroy Williamson, 

Egbert R. Warner, Frederick Weston, Bennett Wooster, 

Charles F. Warren, Wilson Weston, Charles A. Wooster, 

Wilford I. Warren, Henry Wheeler, Nathan K. Wooster, 

George H. Washband, Charles P. White, Eugene A. Wyant, 

Charles H. Weaver, George B. White, Frank H. Wyant, 

Lazarus G. Weaver, Nathan F. White, Henry L. Wyant, 

Charles Weidlich, Joseph Whitely, Leonard Wyant, 

William J. Welch, Joseph J. Wilcoxson, AV^ilson Wyant. 

Charles S. Weller, Frank G. Williams, 



BUSINESS DIRECTOKY. 

MERCHANTS. 
Atwood & Betts, dealers in Clothing, Books and Stationery, No. 3 Davis' 

Block. 
S. Y. Beach, dealer in Coal and Lumber, comer of Main and Maple streets. 
Burr P. Beecher, dealer in Groceries and Provisions. 
Henry Bradley, dealer in Millinery and Fancy Goods, Hull's Bulling. 
S. W. Buckingham, dealer in Beef, Pork, Poultry, &c.. No. 4 Davis' Block. 
John A. Cochran, Agt, dealer in Groceries and Provisions, corner of Hill 

and Pearl streets. 
Henry A. Dunham, dealer in Groceries and Provisions, Main street, near 

depot. 
Geo. S. Edwards, dealer in Stoves, Tinware, Crockery, Hardware, Cutlery, 

&c., corner of Maple and Second streets. 
James Howard, dealer in Meat, &c.. Main street, below Hill street. 
McEwen & Camp, dealers in Dry Goods, Groceries, School Books, &c., 

Maple, near First street. 
J. N. Popp, Merchant Tailor, Third street. 
M. M. Randall, dealer in Dry Goods and Groceries, corner of Main and 

Broad streets. 
Jas. L. Spencer, dealer in Beef, Pork, Lard, &c., Main st., south of depot. 
C. W. Storrs, dealer in Dry Goods, Hardware, NeAvspapers, Magazines, 
David Tucker, dealer in Flour, Grain, Feed and Fertizers, corner of Main 
Wooster, Dean & Buckingham, dealers in Dry Goods, Hardware, 

Lumber, Coal, etc., Brick Store, opposite the depot. 

PHYSICIANS. 
S. C. Johnson, house corner of Church and West street. 
Joshua Kendall, house corner of Church and West streets. 
F. W. PuLFORD, house on Pearl street. 
Egbert R. Warner, house corner of Maple and Second streets. 

DRUGGISTS AND APOTHECARIES. 

S. H. Canfield, James' Building, Main street. 
George Smith, No. 1 Davis' Block, 

HOTELS. 
Wooster House, A. B. Dunham, Proprietor, corner of Second and Ray- 
mond streets. 
Seymour House, Peck & Riggs, Proprietors, Broad street. 
Humphrey House, J. W. Meredith, Proprietor, First street. 



140 SEYMOUR AND VICIKITY. 

LIVERY AND FEED STABLES. 

A. B. Dunham, rear of Wooster House. 

John Holloway, Broatl street, near Congregational churcli. 

H. A. Rider, Main street, near Hill street. 

John Speers, next to Congregational church. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

F. P. Aylesworth, Plain and Ornamental Hair-work, house Church street. 
Wilbur Bassett, Painter, Hill street, south of Pearl street. 

Mrs. Wilbur Bassett, Dressmaker, Hill street, south of Pearl street. 

Mrs. Garry Bates, Dressmaker, Main street, over the post office. 

N. A. Brushell, Barber and Hair-dresser, Main street, near post office. 

Smith T. Carpenter, General Carting, Pearl street. 

Mrs. G. W. Divine, Dressmaker, house Maple street. 

E. Fairchild, Carriage Making and Repairing, Maple street. 

Mrs. George Fowler, Dressmaker, residence on First avenue. 

Philip Heilman, Boot and Shoemaker, No. 2 Davis' Block, room 4. 

W. I. Lines, Painter, Chestnut street. 

Isaac Losee, Boot and Shoemaker, No. 1 French's Building. 

Michael McNurney, Blacksmithing and Repairing, corner of Hill and 

Pearl streets. 
John H. Miller, Shoemaker and dealer in in Confectionery, Broad street. 
William Morris, Harnessmaker, corner of Maple and First streets. 
H. B. MUNSON, Attorney at Law, office James' Building. 
Ira a. Parmelee, Blacksmithing, Horse and Ox Shoeing, and Repairing, 

Maple street, near covered bridge. 
Henry Schneider, Barber and Hair-dresser, No. 5 Davis' Block. 

A. H. SCRANTON, Newsdealer, No. 3 French's Building. 
Thomas Sharpe, Carpenter and Builder, Hill street. 

W. C. Sharpe, Book and Job Printer and Publisher, office No. 2 Davis* 

Block, rooms 5 and 6. 
James Smith, Machinery and Repairing, Factory street, foot Raymond st. 

General Blacksmithing in shop attached to Machinery Works. 

G. C. Sperry, Painter, house Mill street. 

ASHBEL Storrs, Carpenter and Builder, house North street. 
L. B. Stuart, Jeweler^ No. 3 French's Building. 

B. B. Thayer, Truckman, residence Derby avenue. 

W. H. Williams, Attorney at Law, office James' Building. 



"fl 



MJ a £^ m 



IS^TT, 



DEALER IN 



[llllll ofl? 



e iluFni^BiiiA 



AND 



leiieril Jpiriifeliiiig ^..iiilertiilier 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 



141 




WUlilvS OF 



J-J^l^JElIB S^V^j^ItT, 



SUCCEPSOK TO 



THE DOUGLASS MANUFACTURING COMPANY, 

(ESTAlJMSnKD IX 1856), 



MANUFACTUKKU OF 



AUGERS, AUGER BITS, GIMLETS, HOLLOW AUGERS, 

EXPANDING BITS, PATENT AUGER HANDLES, BORING 

MACHINES, CHISELS, GOUGES, DRAWING 

KNIVES, SCREW-DRIVERS, 

REAMERS, ETC. 



H. B. BEECHER, 

Successor to FRENCH, SWIFT &. CO., 
(EsTABi-iSHKn IX 1847), 

MANUFACTURER OF 

AUGERS, AUGER BITS, HOLLOW AUGERS, &c. 



HUMPHREYSVILLE MA^S^UFACTURING CO. 

MANUFACTURERS OF 

AUGERS, AUGER BITS, &c. 
George H. Robinson, Norman Sperry, 

David R. Cook, Marcus Sperry. 



142 SBYMOUE AND VIOmiTY. 

THE NEW HAYEIS^ COPPER COMPANY. 

Thomas James, President. 

Franklin Farkell, Secretary and Treasurer. 

Directors : Tliomas James, Franklin Farrell, E. C. Lewis, Thomas L. James 

and Alton Farrell. 



THE POWLER NAIL COMPANY, 

Carlos French, President. Lewis H. Bristol, Secretary. 

MANUFACTURERS OF 

VULCAN HOESE-SHOE NAILS. 



UNITED STATES PIN COMPANY. 

Henry L. Hotchkiss, President. Lewis H. Bristol, Secretary. 

Carlos French, Treasurer. 



H. P. & E. DAY, 

MANUFACTURERS OF 

EUBBER PEN-HOLDERS, PROPELLINa PENCILS, 
SURGICAL APPLIANCES, &c. 



S. Y. BEACH, 

MANUFACTURER OF 

PRINTING AND COLORED PAPERS. 



CARLOS FRENCH, 

MANUFACTURER OF 

CAR, Sr»IMlVGMg 



W. W. SMITH, 

MANUFACTURER OF 

1VIA3VILL.4. I*^Vr»EI^ 



RAYMOND FRENCH, 

MANUFACTURER OF 

PLAIN AND STEEL PLATED OX SHOES. 



SEYMOUR AXD VICINITY. 143 

AUSTIN G. DAY, 

MANUFACTUREK OF 

SUBMARINE TELEGRAPH CABLE. 



GARRET & BEACH, 

MANUFACTURES OF 

GERMAN GIMLET BITS, CAST STEEL REAMERS AND 

SCREW DRIVER BITS. 

Lewis L. Garrett. Samuel A. Beach. 



THE SEYMGUR RECORD, 

Published every Thursday morning at 

THE SEYMOUR PRINTING OFFICE, 

No. 2 Davis' Block. W. C. Sharpe, Editor and Publisher. 




SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 



145 



INDEX, 



Abbott, Robert J., 73 

Adiirus, Johu, 76. James K., 134. 

American Car Co., 86. 

Amity, 53. 

Atwood, Henry C, 132. 

Auger Making in Seymour, 70. 

Baker, Capt. James, 102. 

Baldwin Family, 42. Anson, 63. 

Ashbel, 132. Isaac, 54. Jesse, 63. 

Lieut. Sylvanus, 6. 
Bangs, Rev. Heman, 119. 
Bank of North America, 85. 
Baptist Church, 82, 89. 
Barlow, Mary, 126. 
Barnes, Minot, 132. 
Bassett, Abel, 6.3. Capt. Elliott, 119. 

Edward F., 74, 117. Jerry, 75.. 

John W.. 108, 116, 117. 

Julins, 76, 92, 134. 

Samuel, 8, 63, 121. William, 63. 
Bates, William, 120, 121. 
Beach, Sharon Y., 72, 81, 116, 120. 
Beach's Paper Mill, 81, 120. 
Beacon Hill, 6. 
Beecher, H. B., 74, 141. 
Beebe, Sheldon, 132. 
Bethany, 6, 70. 
Bethany Church, 127. 
Bid well, James H., 77. 
Birdseye, E|)hraim, 116. 
Blackman, Ethel, 132. Alfred, 84. 
Blacksmith Shop, cor. Pearl & Hill sts., 58 
Bladen's Brook, 6, 115, 116. 
Bliss, Lemuel, 74. 
Blueville, 72, 73. 

Blydenburgh, Rev. Moses, 32, 33, 34, 72. 
Board of Education, 107. 
Bodge, John, 121. 
Booth, Ebeuezer, 127. 
Booty, Edward, 132. 
Botsford, Cyrus, 119. Smith, 121. 
Bounties to Soldiers, 90, 91. 
Bowman, .James, 63. 

Bradley, Henry, 71, 134, 139. Merritt, 133 
Bridges, 182. 
Broadwell, Lewis, 63. 
Buckingham, Samuel, 6.Philo, 107, 133. 
Buckley, Jas. E., 134, 135. 
Buffum, Wm., 73, 78, 79. 
Bunce, Lewis, 77, 123. 
Burritt & Lewis, 71. 
Business Directory, 139. 
Buxton, Henry, 132. 



Cable, Roswell, 132. 

Candee, David, 128. Isaiah, 132. Levi,1.32. 

CjULfifiJiL Abie!, 126. Dr. Josiah,_42r 

Samuel, 64. Samuel H., 104, 108, 134. 

Sheldon, 132. 
Capital Punishment, 125. 
Chamberlin, H. S., 135. 
Change of Name, 84. 
Charter of the Town of Seymour, 80. 
Chaifield, Leman, 81, 132. 
Chestnuttree Hill, 7. 
Church, Sheldon C, 72, 84. William, 73. 
Chuse, 36, 40, .¥J. 
Chusetown. 40,57,59. 
Cbusetown District, 112, 115. 
Clark, David B., 73, 117. 

David M., 132. George, 6. Moses, 39. 

Hezekiah, 39. Russell, 115. 

Smith, 117, 132. Sheldon, 39. 

Thomas, 6. Walter B., 116. 
Clemon.s, F. M., 99, 105, 103. 
Cochran, Thomas, 81, 116. 
Coggswell, Jeremiah, 71. 
Conference Room, 116. 
Congregational Church, 9. 
Cornwall, William, 83. 
Cotton Factory, 78. 
Crosby, Seth, 132. 
Culver, Miles, 71. 
Currency in 1695, 8. 
Cutts, Rev. Wm., 127. 
Daggett, Judge David, 127. 
Daniels, John L., 132 
Daughters of Temperance, 78. 
Davis, Isaac B., 75, 82. Johu, 134. 

Samuel P., 105, 133. 
Day. Austin G., 123, 143. 

Ediuuud, 104, 107, 108. 

H. P. &. E., 123, 142. Henry P., 104. 
Diivton, Capt. Ei)enezer, 50. 
DeForest, John H., 115, 132. 

George W., 116. George F., 83. 
DeForest & Hodge, 73, 122. 
Di'r!)y Journal, 73. Devil's Jump, 6. 

Dibble, Capt. Amadeus, 63. 
Divine, Gi'.o. W., 73, 74. 
Driver, J;tnies, 71. 
Durnnd, Frederick, 107, 110, 117, 

Jeremiah, 116. Charles, 83. 
Duttoii, Thomas A., 132. 
Dwight. Pres. of Yale, 60. 

John W., 83. Timothy, 83, 120. 
Dwight & French, 78, 80. 



146 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 



Eagle Manufacturing Company. 

Edwards, Pierpont, 127. 

Eels, Samuel, G. 

Electors of Seymour, 135. 

Emancipation, 48. 

English, Judsou, 119. 

Faircbild, Nathan B., 132. Abiel, 38, 48. 

Falls of the Nangatuck, .5, 41. 

Fengot Coal Co., 102. 

Fenn, Benjamin, 6. 

Fisher, Ebenezer, 114, 115, 120, 132. 

Five Mile Brook. 7. 

Four Mile Brook, 7. 

Freemasonry, 131. 

Freemen in*1708. List of, 7. 

French, Carlos, 104. Charles, 42. 

David, 41. Israel, 41. 

Squire David. 127. Francis, 41. 

Eaymond, 2, 10, 72, 79, 83. 

Warren, 74. 

French &, Dwight, 78, 

French, Swift & Co., 74. 

R. French &. Co., 73. 

Freshets, 70, 71, 74, 81, 83, 84, 89, 101, 102. 

Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, 135. 

Fuller, Rev. Geo. L., 119. 

Gilbert, Ezekiel, 69, 71, 73. Elias, 64, 114. 

Isaac J., 116. 
Gilbert & Wooster, 70. 
Gillett, Ephraim, 53. Anson, 119. Eli,103. 
Gilyard, Thomas, 62, 63, 115. William, 41. 
Glendining, Geo. B., 77. 
Glendining Academy, 77, 78, 133. 
Goodrich, Elizur, 63. 
Grand List of Seymour in 1869, 103. 
Great Hill School, 19, 108. 
Great Hill M. E. Church, 119. 
Green, Seth, 132. 
Gunn, George, 132. 
Haines, Chauncey, 132. 
Hard, James, 7. 

Harger, Ebenezer, 7. Alfred, 132. 
Hart, John M., 132. 
Hartshorn, Jesse, 63. 
Hatch, Chauncy M., 63, 132. 
Hawley, Rev. Samuel, 127. 
Heddeu, Thomas M., 132. 
Hendryx, W. E., 76, 117, 135. 
Hickox, Rev. Samuel R., 82, 115, 116, 127. 
High School, 77, 83, 101. 
High School Association, 85. 
High School Room, 102. 
Hill street, 87. 
Hilton, John, 134. 
Hine, Samuel B., 114. Amos, 75. 
Hitchcock, Daniel, 132. Denzel, 82, 115. 

Gad, 132. Timothy, 66. . Johnathan,48. 
Hodge, Geo. L., 120. 
Hodge & Co., 72, 120. 
Holbrook Daniel, 42,46. Capt. Daniel,48,63 

Daniel L., 81, 82. Capt Philo, 72. 
Hopkins, Dr. Samuel, 38. 
Hotchkiss, M. A., 117. 
Housatonic Valley, 125. 
Houde, (or Howd) John, 40, 41, 42, 48,.57,59. 



Hull, Isaac, 64. Benjamin, 63. 

Wm. M., 116. Joseph Jr„ 41, 59. 
Samuel, 46. 
Humphrey, proposed name, 84, 89. 
Humphrey Lodge, No. 26, K. of P., 134, 
Humphreys,Gen.David,49,59,64,65,114, 
Rev. Daniel, 54. William, 115. 

Sister of Gen. David, 66. 
Gen. David, Flag, 65. John, 47. 
Humphreysville, 60, 63. Picture of, 67. 
Humphreysville Academy, 77. 
Humphreysville Copper Co., 79, 83, 87. 
Humphreysville Graveyard Asso., 71, 
Humphreysville Greys, 73. 
Humphreysville High School Asso,, 85. 
Humphreysville Library Co.^ 87. 
Humphreysville Lyceum, 74. 
Humphreysville Mfg. Co., 68,70,85, 120. 
Humphreysville & Salem Turnpike Co,86 
Humphreysville Total Abstinence Soc.76. 
Hyatt, Daniel, 132, 
Hyde Family, 77, 
Indians, 36, 40, 41, 47. 
Indian Lands, Sale of, 5,6,7,63. 
Indian Lands, value of, 5. 
Johnson Family, 37-39. Alexander,38,39. 
Ebenezer, 6. Capt. Ebenezer, 7, 
Col. Ebenezer, 8. Maj. Ebenezer,7. 
David, 75. E. Beecher, 112. 
Gideon, 41, 47. Joseph, 112, 113. 
Newel,69,115,121, 132. 
Rev. Jesse, 114, 121. Stiles, 114. 
Capt. Nathaniel, 48, 51. Timothy,39 
Isaac, 51, 5^. Phineas, 51. 
Sheldon C, 79. Benajah, 38,41. 
Jones, Chester, 69, 113, 115, 120, 132. 
Jones & KeeUey, 113. 
Justices of the Peace, 105. 
Kalmia Mills, 103, 104. 
Keeuey, Ebenezer, 40, 41, 47. 

William, 47, 68. Lydia, 57. 
Kendall, Joshua,74,76,78,104,107,108,135. 
Kenney, Sheldon, 83. Isaac, 69. 
Kinney, Ebenezer, 59, 
Kinneytown Dam, 72, 
Kirtland, George, 35, 70, 115. 
Leavenworth, Rev. Mark, 38. 

Thomas, 56. Calvin, 64. Isaac, 64, 
Lebanon Brook, 6, 
Lee, Rev, Jesse, 119. Cyrus, 121. 
LeForge, Henry, 120, 132. 
Lines, Calvin, 112. 
Little River, 7. 
Lopus, 39. 

Losee, Isaac, 64, 76, 115, 
Lounsbury, Albert W., 96, Linus, 51. 
Henry W., 96. John L., 63. 
Ethel, 56. 
Lovelaud, Sarah, 41. Truman, 51. 
Ludlow, Sarah, 38. 
Lum, Jonathan, 7, Johnathan, Jr., 48. 

Wm. D., 109. 
Lynde, Duane M., 96. 
Martin, Anna C, 114. 
Mauwehn, Joseph, (Chuse) 36, 40, 51, 59. 
McGary, 132. 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 



147 



McEwen, David J., 132, 133. 

Virgil H., 104, 106, 107. 
Mechauics' Lodge, No. 83,I.O.O.F., 134. 
Meigs, Samuel, 132. 
Meriuo Sheep, 59. 
Merrick, Capt., 121. 
Meteorological Notes, 76. 
Metbodist Episcopal Church, 30. 

Deeds to, 66, 75. Bequest to, 68. 

Description of, 74. Maples, 77. 
Middlebnry, 125. 
Miles, Johiiathan, 42, 47. 

Theophilus, 41, 51, 64. 
Milford, 6. 
Military Titles, 8. 
Militia, 56. Officers of, 7. 
Moruiug StarLodge,No.47,F.& A.M. ,131. 
Morris, William, 132. 
Moshier, Johu S., 64, 73, 121, 132. 
MuDsoD, H. B., 80, 82, 83, 84, 117, 133. 

Byrou W., 96. Marcus E., 96. 
Naugatuck Railroad, 73, 76, 78, 85. 
Nettleton, Josiah, 132. 
New Haven & Sey. Plank Road Co., 86. 
Northrop, Ebenezer, 64. Rev. H. D.,13. 
Nyumphs, 39, 41. 
Old Field Brook, 109. 
Osborn, Harry, 132. 
Oxford, 43, 44, 54, ,55, 88, 125. 
Papermaking in Seymour, 72, 120. 
Park, 8. 

Paugussett, 5, 6, 21. 
Peck, Bezaleel, 112. 
Phelps, Anson G., 72. 
Pierson, Aaron, 115. Capt. 47, 126. 
Plant, Ebenezer, 48. 
Poke By-law, 89. 
Postmasters in 1849-.50, 79. 
Pound By-law, 82. 
Pritchard, Lieut. Jabez, 50. 123. 

Jabez E., 83. Leverett, 69, 76. 
Pulling, Rev. A. B., 126. 
Pullman, Rev. Joseph, 102. 
Quaker Farms, 127. 
Radford, H. A., 74. 
Randall, Charles, 74. Hiram, 130. 

Curtiss, 72. 
Raymond French & Co., 72. 
Representatives, list of, 105. 
Revolutionary period, 45-52. 
Revolutionary Soldiers, 38, 39, 49, 52. 

Sufferings of, 123. 
Rider, Henry A., 132. Stephen R., 133. 

John J., 78. 
Riggs, Ensign Samuel, 7. Samuel, 114. 

Capt. Ebenezer, 48. Capt. John, 47. 

Joseph, 63, 128. John, 46, 58, 121. 

Garry, 132, Lyman, 132. 

Harpin, 83. Moses, 58. 
Rimmon Burying Ground, 39, 128. 
Rimmon Dam, 74, 78. 
Rimmon Paper Co., 77, 123. 
Rimmon Water Co., 102. 
Roads across Great Hill, 40. 
Roads, Shrub Oak to Derby Narrow8,60. 
Roads to Waterbury, 40. 



Rocker's Hill, 7. 

Rock Spring Division, 76, 78. 

Rockwell, Jacob, 132. 

Roman Catholic Church, 84. 

Rosello, Samuel, 72, 120. 

Rowe, Isaac, 114. 

Rubbermill burned, 101. 

Russell, Joseph, 48. 

Sage, Harlow P., 115. 

Sauford Family, 39. David, 70, 132. 

Capt. Raymond, 50. Joseph, 52. 

Dr. Samuel, .54, 55, 57. Zadoc, 39. 
School Societies, 106, 108. 
School Visitors, 107, 118. 
Schools of Seymour, 106. 
" Great Hill, 19, 108. 
" Shrub Oak, 47, 106, 110. 

Bungay, 47, 110. 
" Cedar Ridge, 111. 
Bell, 112. 
Center, 107, 117. 
" Second Intermediate, 117. 
" First Intermediate, 117. 

High, 101, 108. 
" Squantnck District, 109. 
" Beacou Falls, 46. 
" Consolidation of, 103. 
Scucurra, 6. 

Sey. aud New Haven Plank Road Co., 86. 
Sey. and Woodbury Plank Road Co., 87. 
Seymour Bible Society, 135. 
Seymour, Mary, 63. 
Seymour Savings Bank, 86. 
Sharpe, Lugraud, 117, 127. 

Rev. C. W., 117, 118. David W.,97, 

Thomas, of Newtown, 127. 

Thomas, of Seymour, 140. 

William C, 107, 108, 139, 140. 
Shelton, Geo. P., 73, 74. 
Skokorat, 6, 40. 
Small Pox, 54, 57, 79. 
Smith & Bassett, 121, 123. 
Smith & Sanford, 114. 
Smith, Rev.Sylvester,75,77,79,82,109,121. 

Almon, 115. Isaac, 48. Lyman, 114. 

Col. Ira, 63. Rev. Abner, 119. 

Capt. W. W., 97, 122. Willis, 132. 

Daniel, 132. George A., 97. 

Edwin, 89, 105. James, 140. 
Squantuck, 7. Squantuck School, 109. 
Smith's Papermill, 103, 121. 
Soldiers of the Revolution, 38, 39, 49, 52. 
Soldiers of the war of 1812, 63. 
Soldiers of the Mexican War, 73. 
Soldiers of the War of the Rebellion, 92. 
Southbury, 125. 
Southford, Union Church, 127. 
South Britain, 125. 
Sperry, Isaac J., 114. George C, 140. 

Johuathan, 52, 53. Philo, 52, 53. 

Jabin, 52. Samuel, 53. 
Spencer, James L., 76. 
Steele Edmund, 114. George, 56. 

Albert J., 74, 75. Lieut., 52. 

Bradford, 41, 47, 50, 123, 126. 

Deacon Bradford, 50, 58, 123, 130. 



148 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 



Seymour boundaries, change of, 88. 

Seymour iu the Rebellion, 90, 

Selectmen of Seymour, 105. 

Seymour Record, 143. 

Skeals, Abial, 56. 

Skeels, Jason, 130. 

Stevens, Mis. Aun S., 62, 126. 

Stiles, Phebe, 63. 

Stoddard, Dr. Abiram, 130. Eunice, 130. 

John, 130. Oliver, 112. 

Oliver H., 132. Thomas, 138. 
Stone, Leman, 57. Noah, 132. 
Storrs, Ashbel, 122, 140. 

Charles W., 79, 139. John, 132. 

John W., 79. 
Stratford Bridge, 57^ 
Streets, High, 82. Humphrey, 72. 

Names of, 124. 
Strong, Josiah, 48. 
Stuart, L. B., 140. 
Swift, Charles W., 97. Charles, 74, 76. 

Josiah, 113. John, 60. 
Swan, James, 104, 141. 
Teacher's Institute, 101. 
Teachers, names of, 109, 110, 111,117,118. 
Temperature, Notes on, 84, 89. 
The Fowler Nail Co., 142. 
The New Haven Copper Co., 87, 142. 
Thompson, Daniel, 114. Jabez, 48. 
Titles, Civil and Military, 8. 
Tomlinson Family, 7. Levi, 113. 

Harrison, 73, 116, 117. Ransom, 73. 

Capt. John, 46. 
Torrance, Thomas, 53. 
Townhouse, 102. 
Town Reports, 103. 
Town Debt, 104. 
Town Clerks, List of, 104. 
Town Treasurers, List of, 104. 
Training Day, 70. 
Treat, Robert, 6. David, 60. 
Trinity Church, 25. 
Trowbridge, Amasa, 122. 
Tucker, Sheldon, 115. David, 76,108,139. 

Daniel, Jr., 59, 60. Capt. Reuben,60. 

Medad K., 75,82,117. Zephaniah, 60. 
Union Mercantile Co., 86. 
United States Pin Co., 142. 
Upson, Hiram, 109, 132. 
Upson Manufacturing Co., 87. 
Upson Post, No. 40, G. A. R., 135. 
Value of Indian Lands, 5. 
Village Directory iu 1849, 79. 
Vose, T. & Co., 126. Adam, 53. 
Ward, William, 53. 

Warner, Egbert R., 139. William H..118. 
Washband, John, 42. Eli, 52. 
Washburn, Bowers, 42. Josiah, 57. 
Watson, Wm. B., 78. 
Weed, John, Jonas, Joseph, 42. 
Weston, Wilson, 78. 
Wheeler Family, 39. John T., 39, 115. 

John C, 121. Lieut. Thomas, 5. 

Lieut Samuel, 47. Capt. James, 39. 



White, Isaac, 130, 132. John, 130. 

Daniel, 114, 117, 121, 130. 

Nathan, engraving of Hnmphreys- 
ville, 78. 
Whitfield, Rev. George, 127. 
Wilcosou, Nathan J., 132. 
Wild Animals, Bounty for killing, 7. 
Winterbottom, John, 62, 126. 
Wire, Samuel, 128. 
Woodbridge, 6, 53. 

Woodbury and Sey. Plank Road Co., 87. 
Woolsey, Rev., Elijah, 119. 
Worrull & Hudson, 120. 
Wooster, Gen. Clark, 74, 90, 128. 

Philo, 132. Capt. John, 48. 

David, 6. Bennett, 75, 116. 

Charles B., 82, 84, 90, 104. 

Henry, 116, 132. 
Wooster Park, 8. 
Wyant, Wilson, 73, 98. 
Yale, M. D., 74. 
Zurcher, Carl, 103. 

For additional names see lists of clergymen, 
teachers, soldiers, town officers, deaths, etc. 



ERKATA AND ADDITIONS. 

A few errors overlooked as the pages passed 
through the press are here corrected. Some 
minor errors in orthography the reader will 
easily correct for himself. 

Page 41, 4th line from bottom of page, the 
term "King" was applied to David, son of 
Squire David, on account of his dignified and 
commanding mien. 

Page 90, 8th line, after "April 7th," insert 
"1862." 

Page 136, after Samuel Bassett insert Samuel 
L. Bassett. 

Page 139, after line commencing "C. W. 
Storrs," insert "&c., James' Building, next 
door to postoffice;" and after "David Tucker, 
dealer in Flour, Grain, Feed and Fertilizers, 
corner of Main" — insert "and Broad streets." 





•- '/ 



■ri^^. ■-■; 1 



